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Chelsea and Enzo Maresca handed fresh injury blow after Arsenal clash

amie wilson
·2-min read
Wesley Fofana and Kai Havertz during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge.
-Credit: (Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)


Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana is out of the upcoming international matches due to injury, according to reports in France. The Frenchman was due to join up with Didier Deschamps’ side over the international break but will miss out thanks to a knee problem.

The 23-year-old played the full 90 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, earning praise for his performance. It was however claimed by RMC Sport that he has suffered from an inflammation of the knee, and will undergo tests at Chelsea.

And the French outlet has since reported that Fofana's worst fears have been confirmed and he will miss out on appearing for Les Bleus against both Israel and Italy.

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Chelsea are said to be keen not to take any risks on the defender as they look ahead to the Premier League match against his former club Leicester City, where he will be expecting another hostile reception if he plays.

Speaking after the Arsenal match, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca praised Fofana for playing through the pain barrier. "Let me say again: I'm in love with Wes Fofana,” he said.

"He spent all of last season injured and came back in the way he is fighting every day. He probably has to play until the end of his career with pain. You have to be strong, and he is like this."

Speaking to Chelsea’s official website after the draw against Arsenal, Fofana was happy with his own performance. “I think this was my best [performance since returning from injury],” he said.

“Against Arsenal as well, a London derby, I’m very happy. I gave everything on the pitch, I give everything for the club. I need to continue like this.”

Fofana has started all but one of Chelsea’s Premier League matches under Maresca so far this season. His return comes after he spent last season out of action due to a long-term injury.