Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that defender Wesley Fofana is set to be sidelined for over a month following a hamstring injury sustained during the Blues' 3-0 Premier League victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.

The win saw goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez, and Cole Palmer, showcasing Chelsea’s attacking prowess. However, the celebration was dampened when Fofana limped off in the second half, forcing a substitution with Benoit Badiashile.

Speaking after the match, Maresca shared an update on Fofana’s condition:
“Unfortunately, it’s bad news. It’s a hamstring problem. These kinds of injuries usually take three, four, or even five weeks to heal. Considering how well he was playing, it’s a big loss for us. But we have other players, and we’ll work to find solutions.”

Fofana’s absence is particularly concerning, given his history of injuries. The defender missed the entirety of last season due to a similar setback, raising questions about his long-term fitness.

Chelsea will now rely on their squad depth as they navigate a challenging fixture schedule without one of their key defensive assets.