Wesley Fofana
CHEFrance
Right
Dec 17, 2000
25
6'2"
185 lb
CB
RB
Back Line Anchor
ChelseaUnlikely to start Wednesday
Fofana is dealing with muscle pain and is unlikely to earn a starting role against PSG on Tuesday, accoridng to Loic Tanzi of L'Equipe.
Analysis: Fofana has been in a few reports now of a possible injuyr, dealing with some muscle fatigue that may be too much to start through. That said, the defender would instead be given a bench role agaist the French giants, taking his health cautiously. His absence would force a change, with Jorrel Hato or Tosin Adarabioyo as possible replacements in the center of the defense.
Should start Wednesday
Fofana (undisclosed) makes the matchday squad for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, the club posted.
Analysis: Fofana was given the day off during Saturday's FA Cup clash against Wrexham to keep him fresh for Wednesday's Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain. The center-back has been a regular fixture in the Blues' back line since coach Liam Rosenior took charge and is expected to step right back into the starting XI for the high-stakes matchup at the Parc des Princes. Fofana has logged two assists, 17 tackles, 34 interceptions and 93 clearances across his 22 appearances in all competitions and should be extra fired up for this one as a well-known Marseille fan.
Out against Wrexham
Fofana (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Wrexham.
Analysis: Fofana will miss Saturday's FA Cup clash against Wrexham after picking up an injury in the previous match against Aston Villa. The defender had started three of the last four matches across all competitions before the setback and is hoping to return in time for Wednesday's Champions League clash against PSG. Mamadou Sarr or Tosin Adarabioyo could step into the starting XI if he remains unavailable.
Limps off midweek
Fofana left Wednesday's match against Aston Villa with an apparent issue, Bobby Vincent of Mirror Sport reports.
Analysis: Fofana could be questionable for upcoming action if he has picked up an injury after getting hurt in a 79-minute outing against the Villans. The defender has started in three of the last four contests across all competitions, sitting out only due to suspension. Both Mamadou Sarr and Tosin Adarabioyo are alternatives to play at center-back if Fofana is ruled out due to his issue.
Serves suspension
Fofana is no longer banned and is an option again for his club.
Analysis: Fofana has served his one-match ban and is already set for his return, gearing up for a midweek match. He started in the two games ahead of his ban and will look to return to that spot, with three clean sheets in 16 appearances (11 starts) this season.
Red card Saturday
Fofana was sent off in the 72nd minute of Saturday's match against Burnley and will be suspended for the upcoming clash against Arsenal.
Analysis: Fofana received two yellow cards, resulting in a red card, during Saturday's match against Burnley and will miss the next game against Arsenal. Tosin Adarabioyo is expected to start in central defense in his place.
Gets assists as sub
Fofana assisted once to go with two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-2 win versus West Ham United.
Analysis: Fofana came on in the second half Saturday, recording his first goal contribution of the season. He remains a limited option for the blues, having recorded nine starts in 13 PL appearances, having also been dealing with different injuries throughout the campaign.
On bench versus Fulham
Fofana (illness) is on the bench for Wednesday's game against Fulham.
Analysis: Fofana was assessed prior to this game, and it seems he could see limited minutes in the second half following his recovery from illness. The defender had started in four of the previous six games in all competitions before getting hurt, tallying 39 clearances, nine interceptions and eight tackles over that span. He'll challenge Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah for a center-back spot for the rest of the season.
Will be assessed
Fofana (illness) still has to be assessed ahead of Wednesday's clash against Fulham, interim coach Calum McFarlane said in the press conference. "On Wes, he will be checked today when he comes in. The lads are reporting [to Cobham] shortly, so he will be checked then."
Analysis: Fofana missed Sunday's clash against Manchester City due to illness and will be assessed on Tuesday to know if he can be part of the squad for Wednesday's clash against Fulham. If the Frenchman had to miss another game and not be deemed fit enough to play, Benoit Badiashile will likely start in the central defense again.
Out with illness
Fofana is out for Sunday's match against Manchester City due to an illness, according to Nizaar Kinsella of the BBC.
Analysis: Fofana is dealing with a fever that is too much for the defender to play, as he will sit out against City. He will likely look to recover quickly from the minor issue, with a return set against Fulham on Wednesday. Trevor Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile are instead starting in the middle of the defense.
Available against Everton
Fofana (eye) is available for Saturday's clash against Everton, coach Enzo Maresca said in the press conference. "He is available, he is fine. He took part in the session yesterday and is completely fine."
Analysis: Fofana suffered a eye injury against Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday but is back available for Saturday's clash against the Toffees. Fofana started three of his last four appearances for the Blues and could play a decent role on Saturday, even if he will likely wear a mask to avoid any setbacks from that issue.
Hopeful for Saturday
Fofana (eye) could play Saturday despite coming off with a cut during Tuesday's clash with Atalanta, manager Enzo Maresca told reporters.
Analysis: Fofana was forced off after taking a boot to the face that left him with a cut. It seems after initial examination that he avoided anything too serious as he could play Saturday. If he does play Saturday it might require protective equipment, though that wouldn't be anything to impact his performance.
Imperious defending in draw
Fofana registered one tackle (zero won), 11 clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 0-0 draw against AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Fofana exhibited his quality Saturday as he led the Chelsea clean sheet effort with 11 clearances in a languid 0-0 draw at Bournemouth. In additon to clearing his lines, the central defender managed one block and two interceptions across his 90 minutes of play. Over nine appearances (eight starts) across all competitions, Fofana has appeared in successive fixtures just once as the club seeks to maintain the defender's health and fitness.
Not in squad Saturday
Fofana (undisclosed) isn't available in the match squad for Saturday's clash against Burnley.
Analysis: Fofana was expected to start on Saturday against the Clarets but ultimately missed the match squad for undisclosed reasons. The Frenchman is replaced by Tosin Adarabioyo in central defense, and the latter should see a greater role if the issue with Fofana turns out to be serious.
Assists in return
Fofana assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 5-1 win versus Ajax.
Analysis: Fofana, who had been out for a month due to an undisclosed injury, returned to the pitch Wednesday. He marked his return with an assist on Marc Guin's opener in the 18th minute, his first goal contribution of the season. On the defensive end he won three duels, intercepted four passes and made two clearances in his full 90 minutes of action.
Starting against Ajax
Fofana (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's clash with Ajax.
Analysis: Fofana was reportedly not going to be rushed back from a concussion, but evidently he passed all protocols, as he's been deemed fully fit for a return Wednesday. He's straight into the starting XI, setting him up for his third start and fourth appearance this season. Fofana missed the last four matches due to concussion.
Managed carefully by staff
Fofana (undisclosed) is managed carefully by the staff and will be back available for Wednesday's clash against Ajax in the Champions League, coach Enzo Maresca said in a press conference. "With Wes, it is just a way to try to protect him. I have said many times I really like Wes and he is going to play games, it is just to protect him. He will be available for Ajax. What we need to do with Wes is what we have done with Reece. Now Reece is playing almost every game, he is fit, he is good. I would love to have Wes on the pitch every single game, but it's not possible. We need to manage him. The main target this season is to rotate and try to keep him fit."
Analysis: Fofana has been dealing with several injuries in recent seasons and is now being managed carefully by the medical staff to help him regain full fitness and avoid any setbacks. The center-back is highly rated by coach Enzo Maresca, and the staff want him to return in a similar way to Reece James, who can now play full games without suffering any issues. Until the Frenchman returns to full fitness, Josh Acheampong is expected to see increased playing time in the backline.
Not available Saturday
Fofana (concussion) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Fofana has made progress in his recovery from a concussion suffered during the Carabao Cup match against Lincoln but won't be available for Saturday's clash with Forest. The Frenchman still needs time before rejoining full training and pushing for a return to action. His absence continues to limit options in defense with Benoit Badiashile (strain) already out until December.
Available against Forest
Fofana (concussion) is back available for Saturday's clash against Nottingham Forest, coach Enzo Maresca said in the press conference, according to Football London.
Analysis: Fofana has cleared his concussion suffered in the Carabao Cup clash with Lincoln and is back available for Saturday's clash against Forest. The frenchman could return directly to the starting XI with Benoit Badiashile (strain) missing until December.
Spotted training during break
Fofana (concussion) was spotted training with the squad during the international break, the club posted.
Analysis: Fofana suffered a concussion in the Carabao Cup clash with Lincoln but appears to have cleared the protocols as he has been seen training fully with the squad during the international break. This is good news for the Blues since he seems on track to recover in time and be fit for the next game against Nottingham Forest on Oct. 18. That said, his return shouldn't impact the starting XI since he will likely remain in a rotational role moving forward.
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