Injury Denies Adarabioyo as Chelsea, Crystal Palace Draw 

Super Eagles hopeful, Tosin Adarabioyo, was conspicuously absent in Chelsea’s Premier League season opener goalless draw with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, explained missing the absence of the Anglo-Nigerian from the squad in the London derby. 

The Blues were unable to secure a victory in front of their home fans, playing a goalless draw against the Community Shield champions at Stamford Bridge.

Adarabioyo , who had been expected to step in for the injured Levi Colwill, was a surprise omission, with youngster Josh Acheampong handed the starting role in his place.

Speaking toSky Sportsbefore kickoff, Maresca revealed that the former Manchester City defender was sidelined by a minor fitness concern but suggested he could return in time for Chelsea’s next league outing against West Ham United.

“Tosin had a small injury. Hopefully, we can have him for the next game,” the Italian coach said.

Maresca also backed Acheampong to continue developing after his assured display alongside Trevoh Chalobah at the heart of Chelsea’s defence.

“Yeah, we played with Josh in that position. We are sure he can improve and he can learn,” he added.

With the club yet to move for a replacement for Colwill, Maresca will be hoping Tosin’s injury does not prove more serious, as Chelsea prepare for a London derby clash with West Ham on Friday.

However, Eberechi Eze was denied a brilliant free-kick goal and potential fairytale ending in what could be his final appearance for Crystal Palace in the goalless Premier League draw at Chelsea.

The midfielder, 27, was a doubt for selection amid ongoing talks with Tottenham, but started for the visitors at Stamford Bridge and powered home a free-kick from 20 yards in the 13th minute.

However, the strike was ruled out by referee Darren England after a VAR check because Palace defender Marc Guehi – also linked with a move away to Liverpool was within one metre of Chelsea’s wallwhen the free-kick was taken.