Chelsea gain timely boost with key returns ahead of European clash | OneFootball

Chelsea Receive Timely Boost as Maresca Welcomes Key Players Back

Defensive Reinforcements Arrive Just in Time

For Chelsea, the season has often felt like an exercise in damage limitation, particularly in defence. The Blues’ mid-season struggles were compounded by an injury crisis that left Enzo Maresca scrambling for solutions. Now, with the season reaching its defining stretch, the tide is finally turning.

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Maresca has confirmed a significant boost to his squad, with Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile both returning to full training. While Fofana remains ineligible for Chelsea’s Conference League last-16 first-leg tie against Copenhagen, Badiashile has travelled with the squad, ready to make an impact.

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Trevor Chalobah’s return further strengthens Chelsea’s defensive options. Recalled from a loan spell at Crystal Palace to fill the void left by injuries, Chalobah’s absence last month was another setback. Now, he is fit again and available for selection.

“They are both ready,” Maresca stated. “Trev was not something serious so he is OK. Benoît has been training in the past week or 10 days, probably even more. Wes is not in the squad but also he is back.”

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Squad Depth Finally Taking Shape

Beyond the defensive unit, Chelsea’s injury list is beginning to shrink. Midfielder Romeo Lavia has resumed training, while Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, and Noni Madueke are expected to return after the international break.

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The timing is crucial. Chelsea’s slump, which began in mid-December, coincided with an increasing number of key absences. Now, as Maresca put it, “slowly, slowly, we are getting players back and ready for the final rush of the season.”

A Timely Boost for Maresca’s Ambitions

For all the discussions around tactics and performances, Chelsea’s season has been shaped by availability. Maresca knows this, and his relief is palpable.

“We said already a few times, unfortunately our bad moment started with the amount of injuries but some of them are already back and in the process to be back. It is a huge boost for me and for the players.”

Now, with reinforcements in place, the focus shifts back to results. Copenhagen represents the next hurdle in Chelsea’s European ambitions. More importantly, it’s the first step in a season-defining sprint.