Wesley Fofana has reassured fans his recent injury is “nothing serious,” but Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca warns the setback could sideline him for several crucial weeks.
The Incident
Fofana limped off during Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, exiting in the 59th minute and being replaced by Benoit Badiashile. The French defender has been instrumental in Chelsea’s improved form this season, forging a strong partnership with Levi Colwill in defense.
His early departure sparked concerns, given his history of injuries, including an ACL tear that ruled him out for the entirety of the 2023/24 season.
What Fofana Said
Taking to social media after the match, Fofana sought to downplay the severity of his injury:
“A slight muscle warning, as often happens after long injuries, nothing serious, the body is adjusting.”
Maresca’s Reaction
Head coach Enzo Maresca took a more cautious tone, explaining the potential implications of Fofana’s hamstring problem:
“Unfortunately, it is bad news. It is a hamstring problem, and these kinds of things usually require at least three, four, or five weeks. In this moment, that means we lose him for 10 or 12 games.”
Maresca acknowledged the impact of Fofana’s absence, particularly given the player’s recent form:
“The way he was playing, it’s a big loss for us. But we have more players and will try to find a solution. Fortunately, it’s his first injury this season, and we are going to find a solution.”
The Impact on Chelsea
Chelsea face a packed fixture schedule, with eight matches in December alone across the Premier League and Conference League, including a demanding trip to Kazakhstan. January brings an additional five games, as the Premier League has abandoned the winter break this season.
Fofana’s absence leaves Maresca relying on alternatives such as Badiashile and other squad members to navigate this congested period.
Did You Know?
This marks Fofana’s first injury this season after a challenging 2023/24 campaign where he missed the entire season due to an ACL tear.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
The Blues will need to adapt quickly to maintain their resurgence under Maresca. The fitness of their squad will be critical as they tackle the busiest stretch of the football calendar.
SOURCE: 90min.com