The centre-back has been sidelined since picking up a hamstring injury during the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in early December. ..Continue Reading
Initially, Maresca indicated that Fofana would be out for a month, but prior to Saturday’s draw with Crystal Palace, the head coach suggested that the defender ‘could be out for the season’.
‘We don’t know exactly. But having a test, we realised it was worst than what we thought at the beginning. It is hamstring and unfortunately, we are going to lose him for a while.’
This news is a significant setback for Chelsea’s Premier League and top-four ambitions, given that defensive stability has been their main concern.
However, the situation might not be as dire as it seems, with reports suggesting Fofana aims to return to action within weeks.
According to L’Equipe, Chelsea’s medical staff have advised the France international to undergo surgery to expedite his recovery.
Although the procedure would sideline him for at least three months, it is reported that the 24-year-old is against the surgery, and Maresca also believes it might not be necessary.
Adding to the speculation, Fofana appeared to address rumors of missing the rest of the season in a response to a fan account on Instagram.
Translated from French, Fofana wrote: ‘It’s not true!
‘I’m not out for the rest of the season, I don’t know why he [Maresca] said that. I will be back in 4-6 weeks.’
If this information is correct, the centre-back could be back on the field as soon as February 14, when Chelsea face Brighton.
Regardless of the actual situation, Maresca chose to give Josh Acheampong his first full start in defense against Palace, and the teenager performed well even though the Blues conceded a late equalizer.
The Italian hailed the 18-year-old’s performance, saying after the match: ‘I think for sure, Josh was our best player because of his age, it was his first game.
‘Josh, for me, can be a top player for this club but he needs the right path, the right moment; for young players, you need to decide which moment.
‘Even if we don’t decide to buy players or sell players because Josh has shown he is good. We already knew Josh was good enough. Probably with Wes and Benoit [Badiashile] injuries, we will see if something is going to happen.’
Chelsea are next in action when they face Morecambe in the FA Cup third-round this Saturday.
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