Chelseavs.Southampton

The Blues are currently on their worst run of form under Enzo Maresca, recording just three wins from their last 12 matches in all competitions.

Ahead of facing the Saints at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea sit in seventh position in the Premier League table with what has felt like a growing injury list.

However, as per RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins, who was commenting on X, it appears that Maresca is about to be handed a notable boost.

Who could return against Southampton?

The report claims that Wesley Fofana is in line to return to the first-team squad considerably ahead of schedule after a hamstring injury.

On December 1, Fofana was withdrawn during the second half of the contest with Aston Villa, Maresca suggesting weeks later that the France international may be absent for the rest of the campaign.

Fofana quickly refuted the suggestions of his head coach, insisting that it was possible to come back into contention at some point in March.

Despite Maresca recently reiterating that Fofana may not be involved again until after the March international break, it is now reported that the centre-back will be part of the squad on Tuesday night.

Having missed the entirety of last season with a serious knee injury, the 24-year-old has made a total of 12 starts in England's top flight during 2024-25.

How will Maresca handle Fofana return?

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Fofana had not been selected in Chelsea's squad for the knockout stages of the Conference League.

As such, he will only be available for a maximum of three matches before the international break, with Leicester City and Arsenal following the Southampton game in the Premier League.

Even if Fofana is selected on the substitutes' bench on Tuesday night, he will have nearly two weeks to wait before his next possible outing.

With Trevoh Chalobah sidelined in the short term, Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill are in line to start versus Southampton, Fofana essentially taking Chalobah's spot on the bench instead of Aaron Anselmino.

Written by

Darren Plant