Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has provided clarity on the situation surrounding defender Wesley Fofana, addressing both his fitness and recent social media activity ahead of the Blues’ Premier League clash against West Ham United on Friday, August 22, 2025. Fofana, who has been sidelined since mid-March due to a hamstring injury, sparked speculation about his future at Stamford Bridge after removing all Chelsea-related references from his Instagram account earlier this week.Speaking at a press conference, Maresca dismissed concerns about Fofana’s commitment to the club, emphasizing the 24-year-old’s happiness and readiness to return. “I speak with Wes every day. He’s very, very happy, first of all, because he’s back from injury. He’s joining all the sessions with us and is very happy,” Maresca said. He confirmed that Fofana, who was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace on August 17, is in contention to play against West Ham, stating, “From tomorrow, he can get some minutes.”Fofana’s Instagram activity, which included deleting all Chelsea-related posts and bio references, had fueled rumors of a potential move, with the player previously expressing admiration for his hometown club, Olympique Marseille. However, Maresca, who admitted he does not use social media, downplayed the issue, saying, “Unfortunately, I don’t have any idea [about his Instagram activity].” He also condemned the online abuse, some of it racist, that Fofana faced following his social media actions, adding, “Abuse is never good for Wes or any human being, but it’s something we cannot control.”The French defender, signed from Leicester City for up to £75 million in August 2022, has been plagued by injuries during his time at Chelsea, including a significant ACL rupture in 2023 and recurring hamstring issues. Despite these setbacks, Maresca has previously expressed his admiration for Fofana’s defensive qualities, noting his ability to handle one-on-one situations and contribute to the team’s aggressive pressing style. “I am in love with Wes because he’s the kind of defender that gives you the chance to press and leave him one vs. one,” Maresca said earlier this season.Fofana’s return is a boost for Chelsea, who are navigating defensive challenges with Levi Colwill sidelined long-term after ACL surgery and Benoit Badiashile still recovering. Maresca confirmed that Tosin Adarabioyo is also available for the West Ham match, while Romeo Lavia remains unavailable. The manager’s focus remains on integrating Fofana back into the squad cautiously, given his injury history, as Chelsea aims to build on their Club World Cup success and improve their Premier League form.
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