Chelsea Struggle Without Wesley Fofana – But Can They Rely on His Fitness?

Wesley Fofana's absence has significantly impacted Chelsea's defensive stability, but his recurring injury problems raise concerns over whether the club can depend on him in the long term.

Original Source
The Athletic
Written by
Craig 'Tosh' McKinnon
5 Mar
8:05
Analysis

The1905.Club Summary

Wesley Fofana’s return to Chelsea’s starting lineup is uncertain ahead of their match against former club Leicester City, highlighting the ongoing concerns over his fitness. While Chelsea’s defensive record is notably stronger when Fofana plays, his frequent injuries have made him an unreliable option for Enzo Maresca.

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The French defender, signed for £70m in 2022, has struggled with persistent knee issues, an ACL injury, and most recently a hamstring problem that sidelined him for months. Chelsea’s defensive frailties have been exposed in his absence, yet questions remain over whether the club can continue to build around him given his poor injury record. Despite his undeniable talent, Chelsea may need a long-term alternative, with Marc Guéhi emerging as a potential target.

Key Points

  • Chelsea's defensive record is significantly better when Fofana plays, conceding fewer goals per game.
  • Fofana has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, missing a large portion of Chelsea's matches since his £70m transfer in 2022.
  • His fitness struggles were already a concern when Chelsea signed him, leading to an extensive medical examination in the U.S. before completing the deal.
  • Enzo Maresca values Fofana’s ability to play one-on-one in high-pressure situations, but his absence has forced tactical adjustments.
  • Chelsea explored centre-back options in January, recalling Trevoh Chalobah and keeping an eye on Palace’s Marc Guéhi.
  • Despite his contract running until 2029, Chelsea must develop a defensive strategy that does not rely on Fofana due to his ongoing fitness issues.

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Written by 
Craig 'Tosh' McKinnon
Co-founder of The1905Club. A life long Chelsea fan and season ticket holder for over twenty years. Now residing in Poland, this doesn't stop Tosh from watching every minute of every game.
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