Will Chelsea sign a new centre-back? Enzo Maresca addresses Blues' transfer plans as defensive injuries bite

The Blues are missing the services of two first-team defenders Wesley Fofana - who has been out injured since early December - and Benoit Badiashile who is expected to return by the first week of February. Amid the injury crisis in the backline, Maresca revealed if the club are planning to make new signings in the January transfer window.

Speaking to reporters, the Italian coach said: "At this moment I think we are OK. The timing [for Fofana] is between 12 and 16 weeks which is three months and the season could be finished. If he can come back early we will all be happy. [But] we have Benoit who is close to being back, we have Josh who is doing well, Axel and Levi [Colwill] who can all do well in the position."

Per Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are eyeing a move for versatile Chelsea defender Axel Disasi as the Serie A giants look to bolster their defence in the January window. The Premier League club are reportedly ready to let the player leave on a temporary move so that he gets game time in the second half of the season.

The West London side will be back in action on Saturday as they take on League Two side Morecambe in an FA Cup third-round clash at Stamford Bridge.