Chelsea Injury Update: Fofana, Lavia, James, and Their Return Timelines Ahead of Fulham Clash
Chelsea’s impressive eight-game winning streak came to an end on Sunday afternoon with a 0-0 draw away at Everton. The Blues had been in scintillating form, winning their previous five Premier League matches and scoring 16 goals, but they drew a blank for only the third time this season.
Nicolas Jackson missed three golden opportunities to add to his nine goals for the campaign. Christopher Nkunku made a late cameo in the final 15 minutes after recently recovering from a minor injury, while Joao Felix, dealing with a similar issue, remained an unused substitute.
Despite the availability of some key attackers, head coach Enzo Maresca had to contend with a number of notable absences. Injuries have sidelined Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, and Reece James, though James has recently returned to training. Additionally, Marc Cucurella was suspended after his red card against Brentford, and Mykhailo Mudryk is unavailable due to a failed drugs test.
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Injury Updates
Wesley Fofana
Injury: Hamstring.
Fofana has been out of action since the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in early December. Initially expected to make a quick return, Maresca has confirmed his absence will be prolonged.
What Maresca has said: “Both [Fofana and Badiashile] are still out and will still be out for a long period.”
Possible return date: Unknown.
Romeo Lavia
Injury: Hamstring.
Lavia’s Chelsea career has been plagued by injuries, with his most recent setback occurring during the match against Tottenham a few weeks ago.
What Maresca has said: “Romeo will probably struggle to play on Sunday. But we will see tomorrow.”
Possible return date: Fulham (H) – Thursday, December 26.
Reece James
Injury: Hamstring.
James has made progress in his recovery, but Chelsea is taking a cautious approach to his return to action.
What Maresca has said: “He will start with us for part of the session. So slowly, slowly, he is moving forward. That doesn’t mean he will be with us on Sunday or next Sunday. Tomorrow, part of the session will be with him managed, then it’s building the right condition for him.”
Possible return date: Late January.
Mykhailo Mudryk
Injury: N/A.
On December 17, Chelsea and Mudryk issued a statement confirming an “adverse finding in a routine urine test.” The club has expressed its full support for the player as he appeals the result.
What Maresca has said: “I think the situation is now a bit more clear in terms of we have a statement from the club, and the club already said what we need to say. So there is not anything to add except that the club, the coaching staff, and all the people inside the training ground support and trust Misha.”
Possible return date: Unknown.
Benoit Badiashile
Injury: Unknown.
Badiashile sustained an injury during training earlier this month and is expected to be out for an extended period.
What Maresca has said: “Both [Fofana and Badiashile] are still out and will still be out for a long period.”
Possible return date: Unknown.
Chelsea Injury Update: Fofana, Lavia, James, and Their Return Timelines Ahead of Fulham Clash
