Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has revealed that defender Wesley Fofana could be out for the rest of the season with a hamstring problem.
Fofana has been out of action since coming off in early December against Aston Villa in the latest of a long line of injuries since joining Chelsea from Leicester in 2022.
The French defender missed the entirety of the 2023/24 season with a ruptured ACL and also struggled to remain fit during his debut campaign at the club.
Maresca said: “He could be out for the season, yes. We don’t know exactly but he could be out for part of the season.
"We are together here since we started and every time you ask me about Wes I say many times - I am in love with Wes. I'm in love with Wes also because he is that kind of defender that gives you a chance to press and be aggressive one-on-one on the pitch.
"It is difficult to find that kind of player. So yes, Wes is a big loss."
The 24-year-old, who has played just 32 times since joining the club, has not yet undergone surgery but Maresca did not rule out that possibility.
The Italian also confirmed that players may be moved on during the January window, with Ben Chilwell among them.
Chilwell has played just once all season, in a Carabao Cup match against Barrow, after being frozen out by the head coach.
"There are players that are probably going to leave [in January],” said Maresca.
Asked if Chilwell could be one of them, he said: "He could, yes."
jewalptuyz
0
Dont wary Tomori is coming back to chelsea
Amen
Dieeikptu
0
Fofana is a good player but injury prone! Imagine, he stepped awkwardly on ball and he's out of the season. wishing him speedy recovery and smooth career going forward.
lukblstz
3
I use to wonder why chelsea has many defenders with long injuries on the Bench? James, Fofana are typical examples and which causing a lot of problems at the back. I have said this severally ever since Thiago Siva left and we didn't prioritize finding a better replacements. Tosin was brought in for free but I found him to be too slow. I recommend we go for an experienced central Defender now or we bring back Chalobah from loan. Also, James & Fofana be sent to where Kante was treated fully as these 2players are just draining the Club's resources without any inputs after becoming WASTE BUST PIPES.
ALLENGAVII
0
Dont wary Tomori is coming back to chelsea
Cukaknort
0
Maresca know what he want for real, we can all see that Maresca style is dangerous for slow 🐌 defender, we really don't have a defense system in place at this moment and may coast us alot points the number 2 and number 4 are very slow in terms of build up seriously, Marteta may finish us tomorrow.
Pombdeiosy
0
Quick recovery in Jesus mighty name Amen
vidcinoryz
0
last season fofana was out this season he is out and we're still keeping him but you could loan out Chalaba who is better than those that was bought and injured now if you can not fix this defense situation I'm sorry for you
yasbeiknop
0
go and buy Thomas Arojo from Benfica now
Kaacelmpu
1
Sell fofana sell disasi sell badiachile sell James........ yes we love them but Chelsea needs trophies. Today we'll play good football with them the after two games they get injured and Chelsea is dead, With Chelsea patience they still keep them for what?
citacdept
0
Chelsea is gone.
enemies of progress
citacdept
0
Chelsea is gone.
Chelsea isn't gone
pozbdeiptz
2
Chelsea
fupceiluyz
2
Quick and God's speed recovery Mr.Wesley Fofana! We need you beside Colwill for Marescaball to succeed.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏COYB, KTBFFH
Mozdknorsz
0
Chelsea should show fofana exit door
yidabdiltu
0
you better selling out
Jiwelopyz
0
He should go and Rot
Faebceoprs
0
Same problem every season
zotacmostz
1
Chelsea is gone.
akiamo
0
injury prone players must be sold or confined to league 1.....strasbough.