Enzo Maresca teases January transfers for Chelsea after Crystal Palace draw | OneFootball

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca hinted at a push for defensive reinforcements during the January transfer window after his side were held to a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Blues have failed to win their last four matches, drawing with Everton and most recently Palace on either side of defeats to Fulham and Ipswich Town. Maresca had presided over eight successive victories before a bleak run over the festive period, which has coincided with a glut of defensive injuries.

While club captain Reece James has only recently returned to Chelsea's squad - but is yet to make his first appearance since November - it was confirmed that centre-back Wesley Fofana would be out with a hamstring injury for most, if not all, of the season.

Fellow defender Benoit Badiashile is also sidelined until next month, leaving Maresca short of defensive options - as he pointed out after Saturday's scrappy stalemate. "Probably with Wes and Benoit injuries, we will see if something is going to happen," the Italian coach admitted.

Wesley Fofana could miss the rest of the season through injury / Robin Jones/GettyImages

The free-spending west London outfit did end Aaron Anselmino's loan spell at Boca Juniors early this week, bringing the Argentine centre-back to Stamford Bridge six months ahead of schedule. However, at just 19, Maresca has urged for caution when it comes to rushing the teenager into first-team duties.

With versatile defender Renato Veiga potentially on his way to Serie A, the Blues could open up room in the budget for a new - and much-needed - defensive recruit.

Maresca was also keen to point to the positives from Chelsea's drab 1-1 draw - most of which came in the form of Josh Acheampong. The 18-year-old right-back made the first start of his Premier League career at Selhurst Park and was hailed as the "best player" on the pitch by his manager.

"Josh Acheampong was fantastic for us," Maresca gushed. "We really trust Josh and it's just a matter of the right path for him, but he will be an important player for the club."