By Gariba Raubil,Samuel Obour

Copyright yen

Chelsea’s growing injury list has left Enzo Maresca with serious selection headaches ahead of a crucial run of gamesJust when the Blues looked to be finding rhythm, fresh fitness blows have threatened to derail their momentum.Maresca now faces a defensive reshuffle and attacking concerns with key fixtures looming large before the international break

Chelsea’s problems at the back continue to mount after Enzo Maresca confirmed that two of his defenders are out of action due to injuries as well one of the team’s creative forces.

According to the Blues’ manager, Tosin Adarabioyo will be ruled out for the next three matches with a calf injury, while Wesley Fofana is also sidelined due to a concussion.

The FIFA Club World Cup winners are already missing Levi Colwill for the long term, and Benoît Badiashile is yet to make an appearance this season, leaving Maresca with a thinning pool of centre-backs.

Adarabioyo and Fofana miss Brighton clash

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League tie with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday September 27, Maresca revealed that Adarabioyo picked up a minor calf problem and won’t be back until after the international break, as featured by Goal.

Fofana, meanwhile, sustained a concussion in the midweek Carabao Cup victory over Lincoln City.

“We have a Tosin injury. He will probably be out until the international break. He has a small calf issue. Wesley Fofana had a concussion against Lincoln. The rest are all fine.”

The latest setbacks could not have come at a more difficult period, with Chelsea already short on defenders as other injuries to Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, and Romeo Lavia further limit Maresca’s options as he navigates a busy schedule.

Cole Palmer also sidelined

Meanwhile, Maresca also confirmed that star forward Cole Palmer will be out for at least two to three weeks. According to Chelsea News, the 22-year-old is managing a groin problem, and the club is taking extra precautions to avoid making the injury worse.

“We decided to protect Cole. It’s not something that requires surgery, but we want him fully fit after the international break. With so many matches, these kinds of issues can happen.”

Its worth mentioning that the upcoming fixtures are crucial for Chelsea. The Conferene League champions head into Saturday’s clash with Brighton short of key names before facing Arsenal and Bournemouth in the lead-up to October’s international break.

As such, Maresca is expected to reshuffle his team carefully, with Mykhailo Mudryk still out and Facundo Buonanotte unavailable against his parent club Brighton.

Blues react to Chelsea’s injury crisis

The latest news has sparked frustration and concern among Chelsea supporters on social media, with many fearing the growing injury list could derail the team’s momentum just as the season begins to heat up.

@WalidYu said:

”What a triple bad news for us ahead of Brighton.”

@ChelseaHero wrote:

”It is time for Acheampong to step up and take advantage of the health crisis.”

@ConectStay also reacted:

”Terrrible news at a crucial time before the FIFA break.”

Cole Palmer’s update on previous injury

In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh highlighted Cole Palmer’s own injury update before Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Arsenal last season.

The ex-Manchester City playmaker had sustained the injury in Chelsea’s game against Manchester United in November 2024.

Source: YEN.com.gh