Enzo Maresca gives verdict on Chelsea's January transfer window amid striker injury crisis | OneFootball

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca insisted he has "no regrets" about his club's activity in the January transfer window, even though the west London outfit only signed one permanent player.

To add to Maresca's personnel problems, the Blues have lost two strikers to injury. While Nicolas Jackson's thigh issue has been downplayed as a minor concern, Marc Guiu is said to have suffered a "long injury".

This double blow comes shortly after the conclusion of a transfer window which saw Chelsea thin a crammed squad. Cesare Casadei's move to Torino was the only permanent deal, but six other players left on loan - including the Portuguese forward Joao Felix.

Maresca was unmoved. "I said after the West Ham game that the things that we planned in terms of players that had the desire to leave and the players that we need."

Chelsea's winter transfer window

Joao Felix was allowed to leave Chelsea on loan / Marco Luzzani/GettyImages

Incomings

Outgoings

"In the end, I think we did all of the things we needed," the Italian boss added. "Before the last game, we had two strikers, Nico and Marc. Sometimes we adapt also Christo [Nkunku] there, but in case both of them are out, we are going to find a different solution."

Christopher Nkunku was one of the few fringe players who did stay at Stamford Bridge - despite extensive interest from the likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich. The wantaway forward has been scarcely used in the Premier League but may be forced to lead the line in the absence of Jackson and Guiu.

As Maresca pointed out: "Against West Ham, he played already more or less half an hour. From now on, he can hopefully get some more minutes and help us."

Felix is no longer an option for the west London outfit. The elfin forward joined AC Milan on deadline day just six months after permanently signing for Chelsea in the summer. "We decided, all together, that it was a good option for him to leave," Maresca revealed. "To be honest, he never complained. He has been very good with us, professional, just a matter of my decision.

"The reason why is because I think we need defensive balance and when you have so many attacking players, sometimes you can concede transitions and goals. I don't like that."

Chelsea are expected to be far more active in next summer's window, with two new recruits already lined up.