Enzo Maresca reveals Chelsea star will feel pain ‘for the rest of his career’

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has shared the latest update on the fitness of Wesley Fofana and Reece James as both players continue to work their way back to the best after a long injury layoff.

Fofana has stayed fit this season after missing last season through a Knee injury. However, the Frenchman appeared to have some discomfort in his knee during Sunday’s 2-1 win over Newcastle.

Wesley Fofana receives medical treatment after picking up a knee injury during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Newcastle United FC (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Speaking ahead of Chelsea clash against the Magpies again on Wednesday when they take the trip up to St James Park in the Carabao Cup, Maresca noted that Fofana will feel pain “for the rest of his career”.

“He had a bad movement in the first half, very bad,” said Maresca “But he’s a fighter. He was there, probably with pain, playing with the pain.

“I said in one of my last press conferences that I really love Wes because it’s not easy after more than one year out to come back and be a fighter in the way he is.

“Now he is also fighting with the pain. When you have that kind of injury, you’re going to feel pain for the rest of your career. Unfortunately, it’s like this. He finished well. He looks okay.”

Maresca also spoke about the progress of Reece James, who has started Chelsea’s last two Premier League matches after being sidelined for almost a year.

“He played two Premier League games in a row with us – Liverpool and Newcastle – in both games he was very good”, said Maresca.

“It didn’t surprise me because I know how good he is. It is so important for us, for Reece, for the club; the only thing we want is to keep him fit and this is the main target.”