Chelsea fans will love Maresca claim but not injury news on pair

Chelsea fans will be amazed and potentially dazzled by a new claim. And the assertion didn't come from just anyone - but increasingly rated manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian, who previously coached at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, has been a breath of fresh air at Stamford Bridge. Following progress from previous Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino, Maresca has already taken the Fulham Road side to a higher level. In addition to that, the one-time Leicester City head coach has now made a suggestion that will almost certainly delight the CFC fan base.

However, all is not good at the Bridge as the roster is not entirely healthy. Chelsea have suffered more than their fair share of injuries in recent years. And those instances were to the detriment of the team's development and advancement. Some of the usual suspects are back on the treatment table, sadly. It must be acknowledged that the latest injury news on a duo of Chels stars will set the squad back somewhat. So, which injury-prone pair have returned to the sidelines? What occurred respectively? And when will they prospectively make separate comebacks?

Fitness issues for the Blues

It was all going so well. Then Wesley Fofana went down with an injury. The Frenchman, who was also with Leicester City at King Power Stadium for a spell prior to Maresca becoming the Foxes gaffer, is out at the moment. He was substituted before the final whistle versus Aston Villa due to a reported hamstring problem.

While Maresca claimed to need more time to give a clear assessment, he slightly contradicted himself subsequently by claiming the centre back will be unavailable for a few weeks at least. In my non-medically educated mind, that statement arguably means that the lay-off will last longer than the quoted length.

Next up is the ever-sidelined Reece James. Oh how the Blues faithful would love to have their captain fit for even half an uninterrupted season. But that eventuality feels like it will never happen for the high calibre right back.

James injured his hamstring during a Cobham training session. The severity England international's issue is unknown at present. Although, BBC declare that the 24-year-old will not play for weeks either.

Enzo Maresca predicts long-term Chelsea success

That's right, Maresca sees trophies coming to the Bridge. Though he doesn't envision immediate glory, the 44-year-old is expectant in general:

"What I said to the owners and the sporting directors the first time I met them, because of the age, and because of how good the squad is, for me Chelsea in the next five to 10 years will be one of the teams, or the team, that is going to dominate English football."

- Enzo Maresca