Injury latest: €28m rated defender close to return say “sources” | OneFootball

Chelsea’s injury situation this season has not been as desperate as it has been in the last couple of years, nor have they suffered as much as some of their close rivals in the Premier League.

But as always there have been a few big names out, and in the case of Enzo Maresca’s side that has been mainly in defence. Reece James had his traditional spell on the sidelines, although he’s made a few appearances in a row now and has already made more starts than he did in the whole of last year.

Wesley Fofana’s injury against Aston Villa in December was the real killer. He was helping the team to play in a whole different way, and losing him preceded our real slump in results. There is some talk about him missing the rest of the season, and some talk about him being back sooner. Either way, it’s not going to be soon.

The loss of Fofana was compounded by the fact that Benoit Badiashile went down hurt just a week later. That problem seemed minor initially – just a training knock. But he’s not been seen since. His value on Transfermarkt has fallen to €28m from a peak of €40m.

Defender set for return as Chelsea reach crunch time in top 4 chase

Romeo Lavia lies stricken after a blow to the head.

The good news it that Badiashile is back soon. Football London claim he’s “closing in on a return” and is “on track,” without giving a specific date.

It will be a boost – but frankly with Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah fit we’re not sure Badiashile provides an instant upgrade anyway. What we’re really holding out for is a return for Romeo Lavia. The midfielder would likely start every week, and plays a position where we’re really lacking in cover.