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

Wesley Fofana sustained a hamstring injury in early December last year but has now returned to full training
Chelsea FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League
Chelsea FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League | Chloe Knott - Danehouse/GettyImages
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Fofana’s Physical Presence

Fofana is Chelsea’s most imposing defender, and his ability to dominate duels has been sorely missed. A comparison between Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Levi Colwill underlines his importance:

Duels & Defensive Actions

  • Fofana: 9.1 duels contested per game, 5.2 won (highest among the three).
  • Colwill: 7.5 duels contested, 4.4 won.
  • Tosin: 6.9 duels contested, 4.3 won.

Ground Duels

  • Fofana: 6.1 contested, 3.1 won.
  • Colwill: 3.7 contested, 2.1 won.
  • Tosin: 2.5 contested, 1.6 won.

Clearances & Ball Recoveries

  • Clearances: Fofana & Tosin (4.2), Colwill (3.1).
  • Ball Recoveries: Fofana (4.4), Colwill (3.2), Tosin (2.6).

These metrics illustrate Fofana’s superiority in aerial and ground duels, clearances, and regaining possession—qualities that Chelsea have been lacking in his absence.