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. 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.
He has been left on the treatment table for another lengthy period, though, and Chelsea will now be fearing the worst as one of their best defenders faces another spell out. Fofana didn't play a single game in 2023/24 for Chelsea.
Chelsea start the night in sixth after wins for Manchester City and Newcastle United on Wednesday. Aston Villa also cut the gap down to one point as they beat Brighton.
Anything but a win will leave Chelsea behind in the race for a top five finish. Newcastle also have an extra game in hand and could move into fourth themselves if they win that.
Chelsea still have to play Liverpool at Stamford Bridge later this season as well as travelling to Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, who have already strengthened their place in third this midweek.
Tottenham are 14th but could move above Manchester United into 13th with a win. They are focusing their attentions on the Europa League as it offers a route into the Champions League.
Ange Postecoglou's side were beaten 4-3 in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Spurs have only won once at Stamford Bridge in 33 years. That came in the 2018/19 campaign.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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