Chelsea star 'has to play entire career in pain' - Maresca

Tom Weber

Updated: 11 Nov 2024 16:01 GMT
3 min read

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana will likely have to play the rest of his career in pain, according to Enzo Maresca.

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The Frenchman is now, finally, a regular fixture for Chelsea after years and years of severe injury problems. Fofana has been solid for the Blues this term despite the fact that there was major uncertainty looming over him ahead of the season.

An €80 million investment, Fofana's value has plummeted since heading to Stamford Bridge and there was no guarantee that he was still the same player after two serious knee injuries following his 2022 transfer. Additionally, Olympique de Marseille, the club he grew up supporting, enquired about him in the summer.

However, after a talk with Maresca, Fofana was convinced to stay and that he would play a major role this season. Despite now finally being fit and putting in encouraging performances, the 23-year-old still is not back to 100 per cent and, according to his coach, he may never be.

Fofana's sacrifice to keep playing

Chelsea are unwilling to take any risks with Fofana and, similar to captain Reece James, have made it clear to the Frenchman that he will not be used more than once a week. As a result, he has now withdrawn from France duty after Les Bleus' medical staff concurred that it was better for the defender to stay in London and rest.

Due to his injuries, Fofana has to make a major sacrifice to keep pursuing a top-level career, according to Maresca. Speaking after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Arsenal, the Italian said: "I'm in love with Wes Fofana.

"He spent all of last season injured and came back in the way he is fighting every day. He probably has to play until the end of his career with pain. You have to be strong, and he is like this."

Fofana also faced the media after the Gunners' clash. “I think this was my best,” he opined. “Against Arsenal as well, a London derby, I’m very happy. I gave everything on the pitch, I give everything for the club. I need to continue like this.”