Wesley Fofana has been named in the Chelsea squad for the first time since December 1 as the Blues welcome Southampton to Stamford Bridge.

In what is a must-win match for Enzo Maresca's players, the squad has been given a welcome boost with Fofana being named on the list of options for tonight's game. The 24-year-old defender has been missing since limping off in the home victory over Aston Villa at the start of December with a serious hamstring injury, and Chelsea have missed the French centre-back.

Fofana featured in all but one of Chelsea's Premier League games when he was fit and available - the one exception being a defeat against Liverpool when he was suspended - and in his appearances, the Blues were only beaten once. That came during the opening weekend of the Premier League season with Manchester City winning 2-0 despite Chelsea arguably deserving more on the day.

READ MORE: Former Chelsea director takes pay cut at Man United after Ineos announcement

READ MORE: Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale secret transfer clause emerges amid Chelsea interest

The France international's significance to the side has been highlighted throughout his absence but he is now available for selection - ahead of schedule, too. Fofana is among the substitutes for this evening's match with Southampton at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca has previously detailed just how much Chelsea have missed the defender, with the side losing six defeats in 14 Premier League matches without him available. "I think, probably losing Wes [Fofana], who for us has been a key player since the start, has been some moment," the Chelsea head coach explained towards the end of last month. "But if you see City and Arsenal, it has happened in all of the teams. The reason why is different."

Academy duo Ishe Samuels-Smith and Shim Mheuka are also both in tonight's 20-man squad. If either are brought on for the Blues tonight, it would be their Premier League debut.

Filip Jorgensen retains his place in goal despite making a costly mistake in the defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend. Reece James is on the bench after completing a rare 90 minutes at Villa Park, while Tosin Adarabioyo replaces the injured Trevoh Chalobah.

Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Nkunku, Sancho; Neto.