Enzo Maresca claims Chelsea player is fit despite ‘playing with pain’ against Newcastle

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Enzo Maresca has shared that Chelsea’s first-team player is fit despite some issues during the weekend’s match against Newcastle United.

Chelsea collected three points in the Premier League on Sunday by winning 2-1 at home to Newcastle. As a result, the Blues now sit fifth in the division standings after nine gameweeks.

The team is now preparing for Wednesday night’s trip to St James’ Park to face Newcastle again, this time in the Carabao Cup Round of 16. Chelsea’s predicted XI to face Newcastle includes wholesale changes.

• READ MORE: ‘Special’ Chelsea player really needs a big performance in Carabao Cup vs Newcastle

Enzo Maresca gives positive update on Wesley Fofana

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, 23, was visibly struggling with a potential problem during the Newcastle victory a couple of days ago. He did manage to complete the full 90 minutes, though.

Thankfully, Enzo Maresca has cleared up that the centre-back is fit during his pre-match press conference for tomorrow’s domestic cup tie.

When asked about Fofana appearing to be in some discomfort with his knee versus Newcastle, Maresca said via Chelsea’s YouTube channel: “He had a bad movement in the first half, very bad. But he’s a fighter. He was there, probably with pain, playing with the pain.

“I said in one of my last press conferences that I really love Wes because it’s not easy after more than one year out to come back and be a fighter in the way he is. Now he’s also fighting with the pain. When you have that kind of injury, you’re going to feel pain for the rest of your career. Unfortunately, it’s like this. He finished well. He looks okay.”

Wesley Fofana a big player for Chelsea

If Fofana can keep fit for an extended period, we’re certain he can develop into a massive individual for this young Chelsea side. On paper, he ticks every box as a modern centre-half at the top level.

It’s so frustrating and upsetting that Fofana has only played 28 first-team games for Chelsea since he joined them from Leicester City in 2022.

We’re encouraged that the Frenchman’s started eight out of nine league matches this season. In fact, the only game he missed was because he served a suspension against Liverpool.

The 23-year-old’s already had some long-term injuries to overcome in his career, so the fear of problems reoccurring may always be there. For now, we can enjoy watching his partnership next to Levi Colwill in the heart of defence improving.