'It's a huge loss' - Enzo Maresca provides update on Wesley Fofana injury

Before Chelsea plays Crystal Palace in the Premier League, Enzo Maresca gave a crucial injury report on Wesley Fofana and Reece James. The Blues have suffered defeats to Fulham and Ipswich in their past two games, both of which were impacted by defensive absences.

Despite being a member of the matchday squads in recent years, Reece James has not played since sustaining a fresh injury in late 2024. Although, Maresca was unable to provide a particularly good report on Fofana or Badiashile, that may change this weekend at Selhurst Park.

Due to a hamstring injury, Wesley Fofana will likely be out for a "very long time." Enzo Maresca acknowledged that the defender may miss the remainder of the season. In the most recent in a string of injury issues he has experienced since joining Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea defender has been sidelined since the beginning of December after being substituted out against Aston Villa.

However, Fofana is fighting only to play this season, while Benoit Badiashile may make a comeback from his physical issues next month. When questioned about the center defender's improvement, Enzo Maresca responded that if the initial five-week prognosis had been maintained, he would be expected back rather soon.“Unfortunately, there’s a risk Wesley Fofana could be out for the entire season. Initial feeling was for 5 weeks but then more tests gave us bad news. We don't know exactly yet, but it's a huge loss.”

Chelsea team hit with injury concerns 

Although, Maresca did not rule out the idea that surgery would still be necessary, the 24-year-old has not had it done for the injury. Benoit Badiashile, who developed a training problem a few weeks later and hasn't returned, was added to the injury list. With this Fofana update, Aaron Anselmino's return from loan makes much more sense, leaving Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo as our first-choice central defense duo. We have suffered a serious setback just when we needed our most skilled and seasoned players to help us improve the situation.