Chelsea star makes shock return despite Enzo Maresca making season-ending injury claim

Chelsea have been handed a welcome bonus with Wesley Fofana’s return - despite being ruled out for the season.

The French defender suffered a hamstring injury in December and was expected to be sidelined until next term. Speaking last month, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca suggested that Fofana had a long-term problem.

"Unfortunately he [Fofana] could be out for the season, yes," the Italian head coach said. "We don't know exactly for the entire season but he could be out for part of the season.

"Every time you ask me about Wes, I said many times I am in love with Wes. Also because Wes is that kind of defender that gives you the chance to press and leave him one vs. one with [Villa forward Ollie] Watkins [on] the whole pitch.

"We did exactly the same when Wes was injured with Benoit, one v one with [ Tottenham striker Dominic] Solanke the while pitch and they can deal with that. And it is very difficult to find that kind of defender. Now unfortunately both are injured and we are trying to find different solutions but for sure, for us, Wes is a huge loss."

But Fofana has made a surprise return to action after recovering earlier than expected. The former Leicester star was named on the bench for Chelsea’s clash with struggling Southampton on Tuesday evening.

Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill were selected as the Blues’ central defensive partnership. Fofana’s return comes after he had disagreed with his manager about how long he would be sidelined for.

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"It’s not true!" he wrote in a reply to a fan account on social media last month. "I’m not out for the rest of the season, I don’t know why he [Maresca] said that. I will be back in 4-6 weeks."

Fofana has endured rotten luck with injury during his time at Stamford Bridge during his big-money move from Leicester. He made just 20 appearances in all competitions across his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge before missing the entirety of the following season with a serious knee injury.

Fofana had been one of Maresca’s preferred central defenders before his latest injury blow. And he will be aiming to earn a place in the starting line-up following the clash with Southampton. Chelsea are next back in action against Copenhagen in the Europa Conference League ahead of a showdown with Fofana’s former club Leicester next weekend.

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