Wesley Fofana returns from injury and why he must start for Chelsea

Amidst a challenging period marked by injuries and inconsistent form, Chelsea has received a significant boost with the early return of Wesley Fofana. Initially projected to be sidelined for 12-16 weeks, as per Enzo Maresca's December update, the French defender has defied expectations and is now back in action.

His return poses a crucial question: should he be reintegrated into the starting lineup immediately? The numbers and Chelsea’s recent struggles suggest he must.

Below, I break down some key stats and a tactical approach that highlight why Fofana is essential to Chelsea’s defensive setup.

Chelsea’s Record With and Without Fofana

A statistical comparison highlights Fofana’s influence on Chelsea’s defensive solidity:

• With Fofana (12 games): 7 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss, conceding 1 goal per game (58.3% win rate).
• Without Fofana (14 games): 5 wins, 3 draws, 6 losses, conceding 1.7 goals per game (35.7% win rate).

The timing of Chelsea’s dip in form correlates directly with Fofana’s absence. The former Leicester City man suffered a hamstring injury during a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in December, and his absence has left a notable void in the backline. His physical dominance is not only key to Chelsea’s defensive structure but also allows his teammates greater freedom in build-up play.