July 18, (THEWILL) – English football giants, Chelsea, have been dealt a significant blow even before the start of their pre-season campaign, as they confirm a devastating injury to French centre-back, Wesley Fofana.
Since his high-profile move from Leicester City last summer for a staggering £70 million, Fofana has endured a series of injury setbacks at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old has unfortunately ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and will undergo surgery to reconstruct it, ruling him out of action for an extended period. Speculation now surrounds Fofana’s entire 2023/2024 season, leaving Chelsea potentially searching for defensive reinforcements.
Fofana’s time at Chelsea has been plagued by misfortune, with a serious knee injury sidelining him in October, causing him to miss the 2022 World Cup. Unfortunately, he suffered a setback in December, prolonging his recovery process. Despite making a welcoming return in February and showing promising signs, Fofana’s latest injury setback has dashed hopes of a consistent run in the team.
Chelsea’s new manager, Mauricio Pochettino, will now have to find alternative options in defence. The Blues may be forced to delve into the transfer market for a new centre-back. This development adds complexity to the ongoing negotiations with Brighton for Moises Caicedo, their primary target for reinforcement. The injury to Fofana further highlights the need for defensive cover, intensifying the pressure on Chelsea’s decision-makers.
Meanwhile, this setback could put an end to speculations surrounding the potential departure of highly-rated center-back, Levi Colwill. Chelsea have been steadfast in their stance that Colwill is not for sale, and with Fofana’s injury, the young defender may now have a clear path to regular first-team football.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
