Chelsea suffer ‘big blow’ as player adored by Enzo Maresca will miss key fixtures
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has provided an injury update ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with Brighton on Saturday.
Maresca should be wary of Fabian Hurzeler’s strong record against Chelsea, while the Blues are looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in their last top-flight outing.
The West London outfit will have to face Brighton on 27 September without the services of first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who was sent off in their defeat to the Red Devils.
Amid their aspirations to succeed in the Premier League, Chelsea are battling Man United to sign Dusan Vlahovic.
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana to miss the next three games due to concussion protocol
Maresca’s Chelsea have several injury concerns ahead of their clash with Brighton, including a groin setback suffered by star man Cole Palmer.
Meanwhile, Wesley Fofana will also be absent against the Seagulls owing to concussion protocols, which will sideline him for 12 days.
Consequently, the 24-year-old will also miss upcoming games against Benfica and Liverpool, in the Champions League and Premier League, respectively.
Reporting via X, The Standard’s Dom Smith wrote: “Wesley Fofana will sit out 12 days and miss the games against Brighton, Benfica, and Liverpool after his concussion symptoms presented after the Lincoln game.
“The knock came in the first few minutes of the game. Big blow for CFC, who have to follow the protocol.“
Fofana was accidentally punched in the face by teammate Filip Jorgensen as Chelsea beat Lincoln 2-0 in the Carabao Cup.
What Enzo Maresca has said about Fofana
After Chelsea beat West Ham United 3-0 in the Premier League in September 2024, Maresca told the press: “Wes is a player that I really love, I am in love with Wes.
“He is doing fantastic after one year injured and, for any player in the world, when you are out for one year and then you come back it is not easy, and he is doing top. This is the only thing we want from him.”
For now, though, Maresca will have to make do without the talented centre-back.