The real reason Chelsea will be desperate for Benoit Badiashile to return after Enzo Maresca update

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Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile has not played too many games this season because of injuries.

It has been the theme of his Chelsea career since the 24-year-old joined the Blues from AS Monaco in 2023.

Last term, Badiashile also had injury problems, while the 2023/24 campaign was no different either. In his absence, Chelsea fans have called for Jorrel Hato to start in central defence, but Enzo Maresca has preferred Trevoh Chalobah, Josh Acheampong and Tosin Adarabioyo to the Dutchman.

Although Badiashile has barely featured this season, when the Frenchman has, he has made an impact.

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Chelsea win more with Benoit Badiashile in the side

There is only a small sample size to go by, as Badiashile has managed to appear in just three games, but Chelsea’s win rate in the current campaign is higher when he plays.

With Badiashile in the side, Chelsea have a win percentage of 66.7%. Without the France international in the team, that figure drops.

When you look at how Badiashile has played when he has been fit this season, the above is not a complete shock. The former Monaco man has been solid.

Frank Leboeuf really liked what he saw from Badiashile during Chelsea’s 2-1 win against Liverpool last month. The centre-half and the rest of the Blues’ defence managed to shackle a Liverpool attack boasting the likes of Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak.

Bearing that in mind, Maresca will want him back soon, especially with Levi Colwill unavailable for selection.

Benoit Badiashile could return from injury this month

The good news for Chelsea’s head coach is that he should have his defender back before November ends.

On Tuesday, Maresca gave an injury update on Badiashile, revealing that he is likely to return after the international break.

Until then, Maresca will have to make do with Chalobah, Acheampong and Adarabioyo. If Wesley Fofana can stay fit, the ex-Leicester City star is, of course, also an option.