Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana has been out of action since October after picking up a knee injury against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League group stages. His road to recovery was further extended as the former Leicester City man suffered a setback behind closed doors when the FIFA World Cup was going on.
Fofana was on Graham Potter’s lineup list when CFC prepared to face Brentford in a friendly post the FIFA World Cup. CFC emerged as winners but also suffered a setback in the form of Fofana’s injury. The Frenchman has been out of action for almost four months, missing 19 games for the Blues.
In Fofana’s absence, Potter has chopped and changed the rearguard combination on several occasions, pairing Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly as central defenders. In a back three, Trevoh Chalobah accompanied the two aforementioned centre backs. More recently, Benoit Badiashile has partnered up with Silva as Koulibaly’s struggles continue.
Chelsea fans have been eager to see Fofana back on the field as the promising Frenchman has got very little time to showcase his immense quality in Chelsea colours. The 22 year old could become one of Chelsea’s best defenders in the upcoming years and Potter could play a huge role in his development.
Chelsea centre back Wesley Fofana returns to first team training
There has been a huge development in Fofana’s situation. CFC have received a huge injury boost as Fofana has returned to training. With the Frenchman returning to first team training, there are chances that Fofana could be involved in some capacity against West Ham United on 11th February.
Wesley Fofana returned to Chelsea first team full training today.
— Pys (@CFCPys) February 6, 2023
Once Fofana is completely match fit, Chelsea boss Potter will have a big decision to make. The former Brighton boss will have to choose his first choice centre backs once Fofana is ready and available. In recent games, Badiashile and Silva have been partnering in the backline and have forged a fantastic partnership that has seen the Blues keep three successive clean sheets.
Previously, a centre back partnership between Silva and Koulibaly was explored but the Senegalese has still not settled in London and his on pitch struggles are clearly visible. On paper, Fofana is one of the best young centre backs in the world and leaving him out of the team will have its own downsides.
Despite being 38, Silva is ageing like fine wine and seems to be an indispensable part of the Chelsea backline. Badiashile is a comfortable ball progressing centre back and has shined when given the opportunity. Koulibaly came with the billing of being one of the best in business, though he hasn’t lived up to the billing at Stamford Bridge. You want Fofana’s smartness and marking qualities. It is a selection headache that elite managers crave. So far, Potter hasn’t found the aspirin. The former Brighton manager will have to make some difficult choices going forward.
Will Wesley Fofana play against West Ham United?