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The Blues have suffered a tragic blow, which could be a blessing in disguise for a potential Super Eagles star
Premier League giants Chelsea have been thrown into disarray with news that star centre-back Wesley Fofana could be ruled out for the rest of the campaign.
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The news comes as a blow to the Blues, but could be a huge opportunity for Super Eagles hopeful Tosin Adarabioyo to cement himself in the Chelsea starting 11.
Maresca confirms Chelsea double blow
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace, Maresca revealed that Wesley Fofana’s injury, expected to only last five weeks, could now keep the Frenchman out of the team for the rest of the season.
Maresca told reporters, “Unfortunately, there’s a risk Wesley Fofana could be out for the entire season. Initial feeling was for five weeks but then more tests gave us bad news. We don't know exactly yet, but it's a huge loss.”
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The Chelsea boss also noted that another centre-back, Benoit Badiashile, is set for a spell out on the sidelines, saying, “Benoit Badiashile will be out at least until February. Unfortunately, we will lose them [Fofana and Badiashille] for long time.”
Blessing in disguise for Super Eagles hopeful
Chelsea’s defensive woes could open up a spot for Nigerian-born defender Adarabioyo, who has found it difficult to cement a place in the starting lineup for the Blues.
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Adarabioyo has only started seven Premier League matches so far this season, five of which have come after Fofana’s injury against Aston Villa at the start of December.
With Fofana and also Badiashille out injured, the England youth international could see his playing time dramatically increase, giving him a chance to impress on a consistent basis for Chelsea this season.
With Nigeria’s Super Eagles circling for Adarabioyo, the Chelsea defender could use the game time to also get his foot into the national team door ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
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