Enzo Maresca: Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana May Be Sidelined For The Rest Of The Season

Chelsea defender, Wesley Fofana, may be sidelined for the remainder of the season, as coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that his hamstring injury is more severe than initially thought.

The 24-year-old has not played since being substituted in the second half of last month’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa.

Maresca was unable to say whether the tear to Fofana’s hamstring would require surgery, but it is a damaging blow to a player who missed the entirety of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

“Unfortunately he could be out for the season,” said Maresca. “We don’t know exactly for the entire season, but for sure he could be out for part of it.”

Initially, it was hoped that Fofana, who had developed a strong central defensive partnership with Levi Colwill this season, would be sidelined for only a few weeks. This optimism followed the victory against Villa at Stamford Bridge on December 1.

However, subsequent tests and evaluations now indicate that the France international is facing another season significantly impacted by injury.

He made only 15 Premier League appearances in 2022/23, his first season after joining Leicester in a £75m deal, while his time at the King Power Stadium was also disrupted by fitness issues.

The situation is worsened by the continued absence of Benoit Badiashile, who stepped in for Fofana against Villa and participated in the 4-3 victory over Tottenham on December 8 but is now anticipated to be sidelined until February.

“Every time you ask me about Wes, I said many times I am in love with Wes because he is that kind of defender that gives you a chance to press and be aggressive and to leave in one vs. one with [Ollie] Watkins,” said Maresca.

“We did the same when Wes was injured with Benoit, one vs one with [Dominic] Solanke, and [both defenders] can deal with that. It’s very difficult to find that kind of defender.

“Now, both are injured, and we are trying to find different solutions.

“For sure, Wes is a huge loss. I don’t think this kind of injury can be compared to the rest. This one is a muscle, and previously, he hasn’t had any muscle problems, so it’s completely different.

“It’s a bit unlucky but he will be back, and he will be good in the way he was before he was injured.”

Maresca will also be without Romeo Lavia for Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace. Lavia’s absence has coincided with a dip in form that has seen Chelsea fall from second to fourth place.

However, captain Reece James could make his first start since November.

“Football is all about players,” said Maresca. “We can have the best ideas, but if you don’t have the players, you struggle. Romeo, for us, is a top player, and for sure, with him, we are a better team. We’ve won games without him, and we’ve lost games with him, but for sure, we are better with him.

“We’re also a better team with Reece James. It’s all about players. I can give them the tools how to behave, but if they’re not good enough, we’re not going to win.”

Later on Friday, the Football Association charged Chelsea for surrounding referee John Brooks after he awarded a penalty to Ipswich during Monday’s match at Portman Road. The club has until January 7 to respond to the charge.