LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal shoots at goal whilst under pressure from Wesley Fofana of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England.
The centre-back, who started in that match but has not featured since, underwent surgery last week, with Enzo Maresca confirming the French international’s campaign is over.
“Unfortunately, Wes will be out for the rest of the season,” said Maresca ahead of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League quarter-final first leg against Legia Warsaw.
The 24-year-old has already missed 20 matches this season and made just 14 Premier League appearances. His absence further complicates Chelsea’s push for a Champions League qualification spot.
The Blues currently sit fourth in the table, trailing Arsenal, who occupy second, by nine points with seven games remaining.
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Wesley Fofana of Chelsea shoots whilst under pressure from William Saliba of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on November 10, 2024 in London, England.
There is cautious optimism over the return of midfielder Romeo Lavia, who has battled a recurring hamstring issue of his own.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: Romeo Lavia of Chelsea is challenged by Ryan Christie of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on January 14, 2025 in London, England.
The Belgian had made just two Premier League starts since December before returning as a late substitute in the same match against Arsenal on March 16. That comeback proved premature, as Lavia suffered a setback shortly afterward.
“Hopefully we can get [back] Romeo very soon. I don’t know if for the next game, but he looks quite good in terms of being back soon,” Maresca said.
“We need to support both and then at the end of the season we will see.”
Teenage striker Marc Guiu could also return before the season ends. The 19-year-old Spaniard has not played since Chelsea’s win over West Ham in February due to, yep, you guessed it, a hamstring injury, but has resumed light training. “We have good news on Marc,” Maresca added. “From today he looks quite good, much better, and he can be back before the season finishes.”
While Lavia and Guiu inch closer to a return, the loss of Fofana, again sidelined at a key stage of the season, represents a major blow for a Chelsea side now fighting on two fronts.
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