Chelsea were handed a shock on Tuesday when reports revealed that Wesley Fofana had suffered an ACL rupture and would undergo surgery. Fofana’s injury would rule him out for most of the 2023-24 season, forcing CFC to consider their centre back options for the 2023-24 season. Former Chelsea centre back Marc Guehi could be re-signed.
Fofana’s injury has left Chelsea with Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile and Malang Sarr as central defence options. Sarr is likely to be sold and is not in the first team dynamics. Badiashile is recovering from a groin injury that he suffered towards the end of the last season. Chalobah could also depart this summer as a number of sides remain interested in the Englishman.
Mauricio Pochettino would have loved to have Fofana but his injury does leave CFC a hole to fill for the 2023-24 season. Although, the Blues have four options for central defence but a departure would leave CFC scarce in the centre back region.
Chelsea considering if they should make an attempt to sign Marc Guehi as Fofana replacement
According to The Guardian, CFC are considering a reunion with Crystal Palace defender Guehi. The English defender came through the ranks at Chelsea but was sold to Palace in 2021 for £20 million plus add-ons. The Blues had inserted a ‘right to match’ clause in his deal as Guehi is being tracked by Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Guehi has flourished at Selhurst Park since his move in 2021, being an integral part of the Eagles’ side. Guehi’s excellent progress is well tracked and has a solid chance of making it to the England squad for the 2024 EURO competition.
CFC need to make a choice whether to react to Fofana’s injury or simply stay calm and allow the Frenchman to complete his recovery, however long it takes. Guehi is valued at €35 million by Transfermarkt and it remains to be seen what stance does Palace have on the English international.
If Chalobah does end up staying, CFC have four options for two centre back slots as Pochettino is favouring a two centre back formation. The Blues still need a number of players in other departments and they must concentrate on strengthening the midfield and the attack. The best solution will be to bank upon four options available as Silva has proved that age is just a number for him and Colwill and Badiashile are young and astute options.
Should CFC sign Marc Guehi?