Enzo Maresca has given an injury update ahead of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League clash with Servette. Wesley Fofana and Reece James were doubts for Thursday’s outing, and the Chelsea manager revealed they’ll both be absent.
Fofana and James have struggled with injuries in the last 12 months, so Chelsea aren’t rushing them back. Maresca has enough options in their stead, so Chelsea will name a strong defence against Servette despite the setback.
What’s the latest on Fofana?
Fofana missed the entirety of last season with a cruciate ligament tear, but he’s made a recovery. The 23-year-old played a full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s Premier League defeat to Manchester City and came through unscathed.
Maresca stressed that Fofana won’t be pushed, so he won’t be expected to play two games a week. He said in Chelsea’s pre-match press conference: “Wes Fofana is out because he played the other day. After a one-year injury he cannot play (again) on Thursday. Some decisions are to take care of the players.”
Fofana has made 22 appearances in all competitions since joining Chelsea from Leicester City in 2022. He featured 15 times after recovering from an early knee injury but suffered a setback the following year.
What’s the latest on James?
James made 11 appearances across the board in 2023/24, amassing less than 500 minutes of playing time. The 24-year-old picked up a hamstring injury in pre-season and is being managed by professionals.
Maresca said James is recovering and will soon be considered, but he’s not in a position to feature yet. He revealed to reporters: “Reece is still injured. He is in the (squad) list but he cannot play.” In Fofana’s absence, Chelsea have Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo. And in James’ absence, Maresca can all upon Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi.
Chelsea are favourites to beat Servette despite the absences, as they have a squad full of depth. It appears Maresca will rotate his squad to allow his first-team players a rest.
