Benoit Badiashile sends Chelsea fans two-word update as return confirmed
Benoit Badiashile has given Chelsea fans hope as he nears his return from injury, just as the team prepares to face Aston Villa.
The French defender has been sidelined for the entirety of 2025 so far for Chelsea after suffering a hamstring injury in December.
His absence has been another setback in what has been a frustrating season, as he has struggled to secure a regular starting spot under Enzo Maresca. Badiashile has not impressed for Chelsea when given a rare start either, which hasn’t helped his case.
However, with Axel Disasi’s departure to Aston Villa, there is now an opportunity for him to earn more minutes once he is fully fit. His latest update suggests he is edging closer to a return, giving Chelsea a much-needed boost in defence.
| Stats 2024/25 season | Benoit Badiashile |
| Appearances | 12 |
| Starts | 10 |
| Yellow cards | 3 |
| Minutes | 967′ |
Badiashile has opportunity to prove himself at Chelsea
The 23-year-old shared a training picture on his Instagram story, ahead of the clash with Aston Villa on 22 February, captioning it “Training day.”
Although, he has struggled to cement a starting spot at Chelsea, even before his injury.
He has made just 12 appearances this season, with only two Premier League starts. Most of his game time has come in the Conference League, where he has started four matches.
Badiashile was linked with moves to Marseille and Juventus in the January transfer window, but Chelsea made it clear they were unwilling to entertain any offers for the defender. Now, with the squad thinning due to departures, he has a real chance to prove himself.
Maresca plagued by Chelsea defender injuries
Maresca has largely stuck with a consistent starting XI in the Premier League while heavily rotating in cup competitions, creating uncertainty within the squad.
Renato Veiga left Chelsea after growing frustrated with a lack of game time, with Marc Cucurella being preferred in the league. Joao Felix also departed and has quickly settled at AC Milan, benefiting from more regular minutes.
Injuries have plagued Badiashile’s time at Chelsea, with the defender missing 17 games this season and a further 18 in 2023/24. However, with Veiga and Disasi now gone, his return is timely. If more injuries arise, the side will need him to step up and take his chance when called upon.
Maresca’s side currently sit sixth in the Premier League with a crucial fixture against Aston Villa next, who are also fighting for a European spot.