Chelsea boss Maresca eager to sign new defender as Colwill cover

London: Enzo Maresca is keen for Chelsea to a sign a centre back to cover the absence of the injured Levi Colwill. England international Colwill is...

London: Enzo Maresca is keen for Chelsea to a sign a centre-back to cover the absence of the injured Levi Colwill.

England international Colwill is set to miss most of the new season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in training.

Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah are poised to start in central defence at home to London rivals Crystal Palace in the Blues' Premier League opener on Sunday.

Chelsea manager Maresca, however, has doubts over whether he can replace the 22-year-old Colwill, a key figure at Stamford Bridge, from within his current squad and has been linked with a move for Antonio Silva of Benfica.

"You know how important Levi has been for us last season, for the way we want to play," Maresca told reporters on Friday.