When Enzo Maresca called for a centre-back signing after Levi Colwill’s ACL injury, first privately and then publicly, Chelsea listened and looked into it. They ultimately decided there was no obvious upgrade; nobody better than the defensive options they already had.
Maresca has not brought it up since - no use in complaining with the window now closed - but the Blues’ leadership team led by co-owner Behdad Eghbali are sympathetic to the freak injuries and suspensions which have befallen the 45-year-old Italian amid his mini-slump.
That has particularly been the case in the defensive department at a time when the discontent from the fanbase, both in the stands and on social media, has grown louder.