Chelsea fans have had very little to smile about when it comes to the club's injury situation this season. It started with Levi Colwill picking up an ACL injury in pre-season training and that seems to have set the tone for the campaign. The likes of Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and more find themselves on the sidelines.
Going back to that Colwill injury, that seems to have completely derailed Chelsea's defence. They have looked shaky defensively throughout the campaign.
Further injuries at the back have made matters worse. Both Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana are out as well. That has left them with very few options at centre-back.
Under these circumstances, the return of Benoit Badiashile to fitness has come at the right time. Maresca seems to be very happy with it as well. As reported by the club's official website, the manager said heading into the game against Liverpool:
"Since I joined the club, every time I have spoken about Benoit I’ve always said he’s an important player and a very good player.
‘Unfortunately, he’s been injured a few times since I joined the club, but before the last one he was almost playing every game at the Club World Cup. Then got injured against Benfica.
‘Now he is back and that’s good news for us, his team-mates and especially for him, because when you are out for a long period it’s always a shame."
'Good news' - Enzo Maresca confirms Chelsea injury boost
Most Chelsea fans wanted to see Josh Acheampong receive his chance as a starter at centre-back. For one reason or another, Maresca has been reluctant to rely on the Cobham graduate, despite praising him in the media. At least, he has been getting minutes off the bench in recent games.
As a result, Badiashile's return to fitness gives him another option. That being said, a lot of fans do not believe that the Frenchman is good enough to be a regular starter for Chelsea. But due to the injury problems that the club have right now, expect to see him starting frequently moving forward.
Of course, it would be a mistake to overlook the injury history that Badiashile has. So, it would not come as a surprise if he picks up an issue at some point this season, although that is the last thing that the Scottish champions need at this point in time.