Chelsea have been handed a key injury boost ahead of their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on August 17.
Enzo Maresca has confirmed injured star Wesley Fofana could be fit for the game, despite not featuring for the Blues since March, but Maresca is positive on his involvement against the Eagles.
Fofana was spotted back in training earlier this week and he could be ready to go from the off in the new season.
The former Leicester City centre-back was an integral part of Chelsea’s squad in the first half of last season before picking up an injury which cut short his campaign.
Fofana formed a solid partnership with Levi Colwill at the heart of Chelsea’s defence and Maresca is keen to get him back.
However, Fofana’s return has coincided with a fresh injury to Colwill, so Maresca may have to devise a new central defensive partnership to take on Palace.
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Enzo Maresca confirms Wesley Fofana could start vs. Crystal Palace
Maresca confirmed ahead of Chelsea's final preseason games against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan, that despite not being fit to play at the FIFA Club World Cup, Fofana will likely be ready for the season opener.
"Wes is back, he’s training with us. I don’t think he’s ready to get minutes in the next two games, but he probably can be available for the Palace game. Big news, because we started last season with Wes and Levi."
Fofana’s return is great news for Chelsea as he enters what could be a make-or-break season at the club.
Despite being at Stamford Bridge for over three years, injuries have been the story of his time at the club, and this will be a final chance to prove his ability to stay fit.
On his return from injury, Fofana has the opportunity to stamp his authority and make one of the centre-back positions his own, but if he fails to do so, it may be the end of the road for him at Chelsea.
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