Enzo Maresca faces defensive crisis after cup tie
Chelsea’s defensive woes have deepened after Wesley Fofana, who finally returned from a long-term injury, was sidelined again almost immediately.
The French centre-back played his first full 90 minutes since last November in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash. But his comeback was short-lived — Fofana suffered a concussion during the match. Under current protocols, he must sit out for at least 12 days, ruling him out until after the international break.
Maresca’s Growing Injury List
To compound matters, Enzo Maresca confirmed that Tosin Adarabioyo is also sidelined with a calf problem and “probably will be out until [after] the international break.” That leaves Trevoh Chalobah as Chelsea’s only fully fit senior centre-back for the next three fixtures.
Benoît Badiashile is “almost back,” but doubts linger over his consistent availability, while Levi Colwill is already out for the season. The manager’s insistence on reinforcing the defence during the summer looks increasingly justified.
Fofana’s Long Road Back
The only silver lining is that Fofana’s latest setback is unrelated to his serious injury history. Maresca had planned to ease him back gradually, but missing crucial upcoming games against Benfica and Liverpool is still a blow.
By the time Chelsea return in mid-October, Fofana may need another slow build-up to regain rhythm — a frustrating, but perhaps necessary, approach given his history of setbacks.
