It’s been a rollercoaster start to the 2025-26 Premier League campaign for Chelsea, with the Blues’ ambitions repeatedly tested by a string of injuries and a backline stretched to its limits. After a previous season that saw them secure a top-four finish, as well as Club World Cup and Conference League triumphs, fans had every reason to be optimistic. But as autumn unfolds, the mood at Stamford Bridge is one of cautious hope, with supporters and management alike keeping a close eye on both the treatment room and the transfer market.
Injuries have been the main storyline for Chelsea so far this season—particularly at centre-back, where options have dwindled alarmingly. The club’s decision not to bring in defensive reinforcements over the summer, despite manager Enzo Maresca’s requests, has been thrown into sharp relief. With Levi Colwill ruled out for the entire campaign due to an ACL tear, and the likes of Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, and Josh Acheampong all suffering recent setbacks, Maresca has had to get creative with his lineups.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, a source close to the club remarked, “Chelsea’s centre-back woes have been on display for all to see this season after they chose not to sign a new player in the position over the summer despite Enzo Maresca’s demands.” The impact has been felt on the pitch, where the Blues have struggled to replicate last season’s defensive solidity, leaving fans wondering whether the squad’s depth is truly up to the task.
There was a glimmer of hope during Chelsea’s recent clash with Liverpool. Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong formed an impressive partnership in the first half, helping to keep the reigning champions at bay. But the optimism was short-lived—both players were forced off with injuries after the break, dealing another blow to Maresca’s already depleted options.
Fortunately, there’s some good news on the injury front. Acheampong has recovered quickly and even started for the England U21s in their recent match against Moldova on October 11, 2025. In that game, Jamie Gittens—another Chelsea youngster who arrived this summer from Borussia Dortmund—found the back of the net, offering a much-needed confidence boost after a slow start at Stamford Bridge. For Acheampong, the outing was a chance to show what he can do when given regular minutes, and fans are hoping Maresca will now trust him with more responsibility in the senior team.
Badiashile’s situation is a little less clear. While his injury isn’t considered serious, his history of fitness issues means Chelsea are likely to proceed with caution. As one observer noted, “Badiashile was even more impressive. And although his injury is not thought to be a serious one either, his long history of fitness issues means that it is likely that he will take a bit longer to recover than Acheampong.” The club’s medical staff will be monitoring his progress closely, hoping he can return to action and help stabilize the backline.
At full strength, Chelsea’s squad still boasts the talent to compete with Europe’s best. But the early-season injury crisis has left them in a precarious position, forcing Maresca to juggle his resources and make do with makeshift defensive pairings. The pressure is on not just to get results, but to keep key players healthy as the campaign intensifies.
Off the pitch, Chelsea’s transfer plans are coming into sharper focus. With the centre-back position clearly a priority, the club is already looking ahead to potential reinforcements. Football Insider reported on October 11 that Chelsea are seriously interested in signing Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, a 26-year-old Uruguayan international with a growing reputation as one of La Liga’s top defenders. Araujo has featured seven times for Barcelona this season, wearing the captain’s armband in six of those matches—a testament to his importance at the Camp Nou.
But prising Araujo away from Barcelona won’t be straightforward. The Spanish giants are grappling with ongoing financial difficulties, and while that could eventually force a sale, sources suggest that Chelsea are unlikely to make a move in January. Instead, a summer 2026 transfer is viewed as the more realistic scenario—provided Barcelona’s financial situation doesn’t improve. Liverpool, too, are reportedly monitoring Araujo’s status, setting the stage for a potential bidding war if he becomes available.
On the Inside Track podcast, the situation was summed up this way: “I don’t think they’ll (Chelsea) do anything in January. Liverpool were linked in the summer. Again, I’m not sure they’ll try and sign him in January. Both of those clubs will be monitoring his long-term situation at Barcelona. If Barcelona do give any indication that they would sell Araujo, I think there’ll be other clubs willing to sign the Uruguay international. Come next summer, if Barcelona’s financial situation hasn’t improved, then it could open the door for a possible move away.”
Araujo isn’t the only defender on Chelsea’s radar. Nottingham Forest’s Murillo has also emerged as a top target, thanks to his standout performances over the last 18 months. Chelsea were interested in signing Murillo in January 2025 before he renewed his contract at the City Ground, but there’s a growing sense that he could be on the move. Adding a player of his caliber would provide much-needed depth and competition in a position that’s been hit hard by injuries.
Despite all the challenges, Chelsea have managed to keep themselves in the hunt, currently sitting seventh in the Premier League following a dramatic late win against Liverpool. It’s a testament to the squad’s resilience and Maresca’s ability to adapt under pressure. But with so many key players sidelined, the margin for error is slim, and the club’s fortunes in the months ahead could hinge on both the return of injured stars and the success of their transfer pursuits.
For now, the focus remains on navigating the busy fixture list while hoping for a bit of luck on the injury front. If Chelsea can weather this storm and reinforce their backline next summer, there’s every reason to believe they’ll be back challenging for silverware in no time. Until then, all eyes are on the recovery room—and the rumour mill.
