Chelsea Star Wesley Fofana Suffers Setback Ahead of Pre-Season Tour
Chelsea star Wesley Fofana was a surprise omission from the club’s 29-man squad that travelled to the United States for their pre-season tour on Monday.
The Frenchman endured an injury-ravaged debut campaign at Stamford Bridge last term following a £75million move to the Blues from Leicester. A knee injury limited Fofana to just 15 Premier League appearances last term but the departures of Cesar Azpilicueta and Kalidou Koulibaly have freed up space for Fofana to step up this season.
However, Fofana’s hopes have been disrupted after he was not named in Mauricio Pochettino’s 29-man squad that travelled to the States. That’s because Fofana has suffered a fresh knee injury, that is likely to keep him out of the tour.
What Caused Fofana’s Setback?
The exact cause of Fofana’s setback is still unknown, but it is believed to be related to his previous knee injury. The injury is likely to keep him out of the pre-season tour, and could potentially put his place in the starting lineup for the upcoming season in jeopardy.
What Does This Mean For Chelsea?
The absence of Fofana will be a major blow for Chelsea, as they look to build on their impressive fourth-place finish last season. Fofana was expected to be a key player for the Blues this season, and his absence could open the door for other players to step up in his absence.
Reece James was another notable absentee but the full-back is simply feeling unwell. The England star will link up with the rest of his team-mates once he’s feeling better.
New signings Christopher Nkunku, Andrey Santos, Nicolas Jackson and Malo Gusto have all been included, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Romelu Lukaku have been left out as they seek moves elsewhere.
What’s Next For Fofana?
It is unclear how long Fofana will be sidelined for, but it is likely that he will miss at least the start of the season. The Blues will be hoping that he can make a quick recovery so that he can be available for selection when the new season begins.
In the meantime, Chelsea will need to find a suitable replacement for Fofana in their starting lineup. They have already signed Nicolas Jackson from Atletico Madrid, who could be an ideal replacement for the Frenchman.
Conclusion
Chelsea star Wesley Fofana has suffered a setback ahead of the club’s pre-season tour. The Frenchman has suffered a fresh knee injury, which is likely to keep him out of the tour. This is a major blow for Chelsea, as they look to build on their impressive fourth-place finish last season. The Blues will now need to find a suitable replacement for Fofana in their starting lineup.