Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca speaking after the Aston Villa win (Picture: Sky Sports)
Enzo Maresca said Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana could be out for over a month after suffering a hamstring injury during the 3-0 Premier League victory over Aston Villa.
Chelsea continued their impressive form under Maresca with a comfortable victory over Unai Emery’s Villa on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts broke the deadlock inside ten minutes, Nicolas Jackson popping up with his eighth goal of the season.
Enzo Fernandez drilled home Chelsea’s second before half time from Cole Palmer’s assist and the England star turned provider to goalscorer when he added a third late on.
Chelsea’s victory came at a cost, though, with an emotional Fofana hobbling off on the hour mark and replaced by Benoit Badiashile.
‘Unfortunately, it’s bad news,’ Maresca said when asked for an update on Fofana. ‘It’s a hamstring problem.
‘These kind of things require at least three, four, five weeks. In the way he was playing, it’s a big loss for us.
Chelsea FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League
Wesley Fofana hobbled off during the victory over Aston Villa (Picture: Getty)
‘But we have more players and we’ll try to find solutions.’
Chelsea spent £70m to sign Fofana from Leicester City in 2022 but the 23-year-old missed the entirety of last season through injury.
The Frenchman has established himself as key member of Maresca’s squad this term but now looks set to be out until 2025.
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-ASTON VILLA
Cole Palmer was on target in Chelsea’s victory (Picture: Getty)
While Maresca was frustrated to lose Fofana, he praised his team after they beat an Aston Villa side who are playing in the Champions League this season.
‘The performance was very good,’ the Italian said. ‘A top performance on and off the ball, and I’m very happy with the three points.’
Influential Chelsea star Palmer, meanwhile, said: ‘Aston Villa are a good team, so to win and go higher up the table is good.
‘I think, if I go out and enjoy my football, the goals and assists will come.
‘It is all down to the manager – the desire that he puts into the sessions and what the players give to him.
‘If we keep winning, I’m sure we will be near the top four. We are just trying to keep going and win plenty of games.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Ruben Amorim thanks Ruud van Nistelrooy for improving ‘explosive’ Man Utd star after Everton win
MORE: Man Utd branded ‘very average’ under Ruben Amorim despite 4-0 win over Everton
MORE: When is the FA Cup third-round draw? Date, start time, TV and ball numbers