Summer signing Liam Delap is now back in action for Chelsea after missing the opening stages of the season, keen to register his first Premier League goal for the Blues.
After not being selected to represent England during the international break, Delap has been working with Enzo Maresca and the rest of the first team stars ahead of their next game against Burnley.
The striker was pictured alongside Axel Disasi, who trained despite not playing since January for the Blues, who could be in the market for a new centre-back when the transfer window opens again.
Maresca made a public plea to bring in a new defender after Levi Colwill had suffered a serious injury in pre-season, however the club stood firm on spending more money in that position.
Liam Delap says Chelsea target Murillo is harder to face than Virgil van Dijk
One player they have previously been linked with is Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo, who has announced himself as one of the top options in England since his move to the Premier League.
It seems as if Delap would have been pleased if the Blues had brought him in. He stated that the Brazilian is the toughest player he has faced, including Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.
He said: “You know who I really like? Murillo, at Forest. I have [played against Van Dijk], but I think that’s the stereotypical answer. Obviously he’s top, but I really like Murillo.”
It may be a blow to the Blues that the defender did not name Chelsea as one of the Premier League sides he would like to join. Murillo named Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United as his options.
Potential new Chelsea centre-backs
As the Blues are forced to wait patiently for Colwill to return, they may well consider strengthening their ranks in January.
The Blues have scouted Joel Ordonez, who has established a relationship with Moises Caicedo during their time playing for Ecuador together.
Chelsea are also keeping their eyes on situations at Barcelona. Ronald Araujo is a target of the club.
As well as him, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen both have contracts with the club, and could emerge as cut-price options for the Blues.
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