The different solution Maresca unveiled against Crystal Palace on Saturday was Josh Acheampong, the 18-year-old Cobham product who signed a new long-term contract at Stamford Bridge in December after protracted negotiations that saw him exiled from first-team and development squad consideration for more than a month.

Noni Madueke, Wesley Fofana and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall latest news and return dates - The Blues were handed a welcome double boost for their FA Cup win at the weekend

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has opened up on the moment they realised Wesley Fofana's hamstring injury was significantly worse than initially feared.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Maresca was naturally quizzed on the situation, the Italian revealing that he was told that Fofana would be absent for between 12 and 16 weeks. He told reporters: "We speak the same language in terms of we communicate between each other in English and in French, so it has been quite clear.

Bizarrely, Fofana has taken to Instagram to refute his manager’s words, stating: "It’s not true!" the 24-year-old wrote in an apparent message to a fan account. "I’m not out for the rest of the season, I don’t know why he (Maresca) said that. I will be back in 4-6 weeks."

Fofana’s hamstring injury, sustained in early December, disrupted his promising partnership with Levi Colwill at the heart of Chelsea’s defence. Now, with the January transfer window approaching, Chelsea must act swiftly to fill the void left by Fofana’s absence.

A Premier League proven, young centre-back who has been linked with Chelsea for a number of years and started his career with the Blues, Guehi seems a very possible replacement. The problem would be his price tag and the likelihood of Crystal Palace offloading one of their best players in January.

Another serious injury suffered by Wesley Fofana (24) last month could keep him away from the pitch for a long time.In December, the French defender incurred a muscle injury during the Blues’ 3-0