Wesley Fofana injury might see him miss the rest of Chelsea 2024/25 football season, club manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed.
24-year-old Fofana has been sidelined for more than a month but is set for a prolonged absence to add to his injury-ravaged time at Stamford Bridge.
“Unfortunately he could be out for the season,” Chelsea boss Maresca said on Friday. “He has a hamstring injury and unfortunately we are going to lose him for a while.
“I have said many times that I love Wes and of course not having him available is a huge loss for us.”
Fofana’s absence is compounded by the loss of fellow French centre-back Benoit Badiashile until February.
Meanwhile, captain Reece James and Romeo Lavia are approaching a return from injury ahead of Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace.
Wesley Fofana of Chelsea goes off injured against Aston Villa FC at Stamford Bridge (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Since joining from Leicester for £70 million ($87 million) in 2022, Fofana has been restricted to just 32 appearances.
Enzo Maresca will now rely on his fit players to help the Blues fulfill their potential this season. Chelsea title challenge have faded after a run of one point from a possible nine against Everton, Fulham and Ipswich over the festive period.
However, they remain in the top four and on course for a return to Champions League football next season.
