Wesley Fofana downplays injury ahead of return to action for Chelsea. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
According to The Athletic (subscription required) (h/t Metro), Chelsea are optimistic that injured duo Reece James and Wesley Fofana will be available for selection when the Blues next take the field in competitive action against Bournemouth on December 27.
James picked up a knee injury against AC Milan at San Siro on October 11 (Daily Mail). He missed the World Cup as a result of that as he needed an extended period of time for recovery.
The report says that he is back in training this week as the Blues start their preparations for the second half of this season with a mid-season training camp in Abu Dhabi.
Fofana, on the other hand, also picked up his injury against Milan, but a week before James did (Daily Mail). The Frenchman, whose wish of moving from Leicester City to Chelsea in the summer to challenge for a spot in the French World Cup squad was fulfilled, eventually missed the tournament due to this injury.
Compared to James, the 21-year-old’s injury was deemed more serious than James’. However, he would likely be fit before the Bournemouth game.
These are good news for manager Graham Potter as the team struggled defensively in the last few games before the World Cup break. They conceded four against Brighton and Hove Albion and looked vulnerable to concede more than one in defeats to Arsenal and Newcastle United.
Fofana’s presence at the back could bring some stability and solidity back. Meanwhile, James can offer both defensive and offensive work. The Englishman’s creativity from wide areas has been sorely missed.
Raheem Sterling has been tried in that position but James’ defensive nous is needed in that area coupled with his attacking abilities down the flanks.
We are eighth in the league table going into the second half of this season. There is plenty of football still to be played though. Beating Bournemouth would be a good start to gain some momentum before games come thick and fast.
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