Wesley Fofana disagrees with Enzo Maresca over injury.
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Chelsea’s French defender Wesley Fofana has addressed speculation about his injury, contradicting recent claims by manager Enzo Maresca.
Maresca suggested Fofana’s torn hamstring, sustained against Aston Villa on December 1, 2024, might keep him out for the remainder of the season.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s match against Crystal Palace, Maresca expressed uncertainty about the timeline, saying,
Unfortunately, he (Fofana) could be out for the season. We don’t know exactly but he could be out for part of the season.
However, Fofana responded on Instagram, reassuring fans that he expects to return in 4-6 weeks.
“That’s not true,” he wrote. “I don’t know why he [Maresca] said that. I will be back before the end of the season.”
Injuries have plagued Fofana since joining Chelsea in 2022, limiting him to just 32 appearances. This season alone, he has featured in only 12 games.
Chelsea has relied on replacements like Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, and youngster Josh Acheampong to fill the gap at the heart of their defense.
With the January transfer window open, Chelsea may explore signing defensive reinforcements as they aim to maintain momentum in the 2024-25 season.
One potential target is Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace, a former Chelsea academy product who has impressed since his departure. Reports suggest that re-signing Guehi could cost at least £50 million.
Additionally, Chelsea is considering recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace. However, the absence of a recall clause complicates this option.
Other potential targets include Tomas Araujo of Benfica and Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan, as the club seeks to reinforce its defensive lineup.
As the January transfer window progresses, Chelsea’s decisions regarding defensive reinforcements will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge in the Premier League and other competitions.