Levi Colwill
In some more positive news for Maresca, centre-back Levi Colwill is set to return for the game against Manchester City, which will provide a boost in Chelsea’s attempts to quell the threat of Erling Haaland.
The Norway international has scored 17 goals in 22 Premier League matches so far this season, and it still feels like a down year, which is remarkable.
Colwill has been out with a minor knock, with Maresca simply saying earlier this week: “He’s better now…” It would be a surprise not to see Colwill in the starting XI on Saturday.
Expected return date – Saturday 25 January vs Manchester City (A)
Benoit Badiashile
Badiashile will miss the game against City as he is still dealing with a hamstring injury which is expected to keep him out for at least another week.
The centre-back will be welcomed back eagerly by Maresca due to the long-term injury that Colwill’s centre-back partner Wesley Fofana suffered.
Expected return date – Friday 14 February vs Brighton (A)
Wesley Fofana
Speaking of Fofana, at this point it could be that he misses the remainder of the season, due to a severe hamstring injury that he is dealing with.
Maresca said after he suffered his injury: “With Wes, we don’t know exactly how long he could be out for, but he has a hamstring injury, and unfortunately, we are going to lose him for a while. He could be out for the season, yes.”
It is not yet clear as to whether Fofana will miss the rest of the season , it will simply come down to how well his recovery goes.
Expected return date – Saturday 3 May vs Liverpool (H)
