Wesley Fofana's latest long-term injury has given Mauricio Pochettino cause for concern at centre-back.

Fofana, 22, missed four months of action last term with a knee issue and will now be sidelined for most of the 2023-24 campaign after rupturing his ACL.

And though the ex-Tottenham boss has inherited a bloated squad at Stamford Bridge, Kalidou Koulibaly and Cesar Azpilicueta's recent exits have left the Blues a little light in defence.

Ahead of a pre-season clash with Brighton on Saturday night in Philadelphia, we take a closer look at the options Poch currently has at his disposal.

Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva may be approaching his 39th birthday but age has yet to slow down the Brazilian veteran.

As well as his commanding physical presence, the Champions League winner is a master in possession and ranked inside the Premier League's top 10 centre-backs for touches, completed passes and passing accuracy last term.

With long-term skipper Azpilicueta having departed for Atletico Madrid earlier this month, Silva looks a leading contender to take the captain's armband.

Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill has yet to make his senior Chelsea debut but could end up being a key player for the Blues in 2023-24.

Having impressed on loan at Brighton last term, the 20-year-old then starred in England's European Under-21 Championship win this summer, raising his stock significantly.

Reports suggest the Seagulls hope to sign the youngster permanently, meaning Pochettino must swiftly decide if Colwill is ready for a spot in his starting line-up.

Trevoh Chalobah

Another man who may benefit from Fofana's misfortune is Trevoh Chalobah.

The Cobham academy graduate, now 24, played 33 times in all competitions last season but was widely expected to leave West London this summer.

However, a combination of injuries and exits mean the former Ipswich and Huddersfield loanee is likely to stick at his boyhood club a little longer yet.

Benoit Badiashile

Plenty of new faces failed to hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge last season but Benoit Badiashile bucked the trend.

The two-cap France international, 22, caught the eye in his limited outings, with Chelsea only suffering defeat in two of the 11 games the ex-Monaco man featured in.

Though Badiashile is missing the pre-season tour of America due to a hamstring injury sustained last season, he looks certain to be a regular once back fit.

Marc Cucurella

Marc Cucurella endured a challenging first season in the capital following his £62million arrival from Brighton. 

Unable to replicate the fine performances he delivered for the Seagulls on a regular basis, the Spaniard still has to win over the Blues fanbase but insists he has no intention of leaving just yet.

His versatility could be useful to Pochettino, too.

Primarily a full-back, Cucurella is also adept at playing on the left of a back three if the Argentine opts for a change of shape.

Reece James

If there is one player Chelsea can always rely on to perform, it is fan favourite Reece James.

The England ace, 23, is one of the first names on the team sheet and showcased his impressive versatility once again in 2022-23 despite being ravaged by knee and hamstring injuries.

Gifted with elite athleticism and technical ability, the Londoner can easily fill in centrally in a back four or five whenever required.