Wesley Fofana has not been included in the Chelsea matchday squad for Thursday night's Premier League clash with Tottenham due to an injury, **football.london** understands. The defender only made his return to fitness last month after missing more than 12 weeks with a hamstring issue.
Fofana has struggled for fitness since joining Chelsea and has left a massive hole at the back. [Trevoh Chalobah starts in his place whilst Reece James is left on the bench.](https://www.football.london/premier-league/chelsea-vs-tottenham-live-early-31337014) It is understood that Fofana will be assessed in the coming days.
Chelsea have been able to welcome back Cole Palmer into the side after he was sidelined for the defeat to Arsenal prior to the international break. Noni Madueke is named as a substitute having not played since February 14.
Nicolas Jackson is thrown straight back into the team after two months out himself. Romeo Lavia was ruled out by Enzo Maresca prior to the game after he suffered another setback.
For Fofana, his return to the Chelsea team lasted just two matches. He started in the 1-0 win against Leicester City in early March and then one week later at Arsenal but has otherwise had a frustrating 2025.
His season had been looking promising after being available for all but one of the opening 13 league games. The only one he missed up to December 1 was through a yellow card suspension.
_This is a developing news story that will be updated with relevant information as we get it. More to follow..._