Chelsea have had a very lucky run in terms of injuries to start this season – which seems only fair given the nightmares we’ve had over the last 3 or 4 years.
What’s been very useful has been having a very deep squad, which allows plenty of rotation from manager Enzo Maresca. He’s always got quality options on the bench, so never feels he has to send out a player who is still recovering or is in the “red zone” of fatigue.
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Wesley Fofana applauds the fans.
Wesley Fofana playing Newcastle. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Reece James and Robert Sanchez embrace
That, plus the fact he’s able to rotate his entire team in midweek European games, has been hugely helpful in keeping players fit. But football is football and you can’t control everything – injuries were bound to come and now we’ve got two quite significant ones to players who would otherwise be nailed on starters.
Wesley Fofana looks broken as he is subbed off against Leicester.
Wesley Fofana looks broken as he is subbed off against Leicester.
Maresca gives update on injured pair
Reece James hurt himself in the last international break, and Wesley Fofana has now joined him on the side-lines after limping off at the weekend as we cruised to a win over Aston Villa.
“We don’t have any update at the moment in terms of time,” Maresca responded in his press conference today when asked for an update on centre back Fofana.
“Hopefully we can get more in the next days. But he will be out for the next weeks for sure.”
So pretty much as expected – a tweak rather than a full tear, but more than just a knock.
An update on James didn’t reveal much more: it seems he’s in a similar boat.
“He is getting better, but he is still weeks to come back. For sure it is a big loss. Wes was doing fantastic, but we need to assess and respond.”
Given the injury history of both players, we don’t expect any rush to bring them back, or any dates set too specifically. We’re just going to have to be patient.