Benoit Badiashile closing in on Chelsea return after two-month injury lay-off | OneFootball

Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile is close to returning to action after eight weeks on the sidelines, according to Football London.

The Blues have been without the France international (two caps) since their comeback win over Tottenham Hotspur on December 8. He has reportedly stepped up his recovery recently at Stamford Bridge.

Badiashile is doing some individual work on the grass at the club’s training base in Cobham.

Chelsea were depleted in defence as Wesley Fofana also sustained a long-term injury. However, Badiashile’s return will come as a massive boost for the Premier League side amid a crucial run of games.

Chelsea recently managed to claw their way back into the top four after their win over West Ham United but need to consolidate their place with victories over Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Southampton, and Leicester City in the coming weeks. The West Londoners need all hands on deck.

Badiashile’s return will give Levi Colwill some much-needed breathing space following his recent unimpressive performances.

Colwill gave away the goal for Jarrod Bowen’s opener at Stamford Bridge in the West Ham clash and was manhandled by Erling Haaland in the loss to Manchester City. Badiashile is a direct replacement for the Englishman, who has come under fire from the fans for his uninspiring outings.

Badiashile should be on the chopping block this summer – View

Chelsea defender Badiashile is one of the first names the Blues should be looking to shift off their books this summer.

The former AS Monaco defender is an imposing figure at centre-half but fails to read the game in many critical situations. He is also injured too often, leaving Chelsea light in defence.

Chelsea must move on their three French centre-backs this summer window. Fofana and Badiashile are too injury-prone to contribute consistently while Axel Disasi has been poor since joining in 2023.

The Blues are reportedly laying the groundwork to sign 6ft5ins Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen, who, despite his inexperience, would be a wonderful capture for the club.