Chelsea have been handed a significant lift ahead of their Premier League trip to face AFC Bournemouth this weekend, with key defender Wesley Fofana expected to return to the squad.
Maresca Admits Leeds Selection Error
The news comes as a welcome relief for manager Enzo Maresca, who has conceded he made a team selection mistake in the midweek defeat to Leeds United. At Elland Road, Chelsea fielded an unconventional back four featuring Marc Cucurella, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Trevoh Chalobah, a defence that struggled against the relegation-threatened side.
Maresca, who left Josh Acheampong on the bench for that match, is anticipating another stern test. "Bournemouth will be a similar game to Leeds, that is why we need to be better," the Chelsea boss stated. "Leeds was very intense and were better than us in all the aspects. Hopefully we can learn from that and be better tomorrow."
Fofana's Return Provides Defensive Solidity
The anticipated return of Wesley Fofana is therefore a major boost. The 24-year-old French centre-back, a £75 million signing from Leicester City in 2022, did not travel for the Leeds fixture, sparking fears of another injury setback after a hamstring problem ruled him out for a large chunk of last season.
However, reports confirm his absence was merely a precaution to manage his workload. Fofana had previously completed 90 minutes against both Barcelona and Arsenal and is seen as crucial for the busy festive period. His expected inclusion at the Vitality Stadium strengthens a Chelsea backline that Bournemouth may have hoped to exploit with another makeshift defence.
Player Praises Manager's Careful Management
Fofana has been vocal in his appreciation for Maresca's handling of his comeback from serious injury. "He protects me and he pushes me in a good way," Fofana said last month. "I had hamstring surgery and you need to be careful when you come back. He doesn't take risks with me because he wants, step by step, for me to be able to play every three days."
The defender, known for his aggressive and physical style, agrees with this cautious approach, acknowledging it is vital for his long-term progression. His return not only bolsters Chelsea's defensive options but also delivers a psychological blow to Bournemouth's hopes of replicating Leeds United's dominant performance.
Chelsea will be aiming to immediately rectify the errors of midweek when they face Andoni Iraola's Cherries on Saturday, with a fit-again Wesley Fofana central to their plans for a more resilient display.
