Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca provides latest update on Reece James and Wesley Fofana injuries ahead of Southampton clash

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has provided an update on the fitness of defensive duo of Reece James and Wesley Fofana ahead of their Premier League meeting with Southampton. The Blues are looking to pick up a third successive league win when they visit bottom-of-the-table Saints at St. Mary's Stadium on Wednesday (December 4).

France international Fofana picked up a freak hamstring injury when he mistakenly trod on the ball in the second half of their home game against Aston Villa on Sunday (December 1). The 23-year-old downplayed the injury as a small muscular problem after the game but is now expected to have a spell on the sidelines.

James, on the other hand, injured his hamstring in training during the international break, but was at Stamford Bridge on Sunday to support his teammates.

Enzo Maresca held his press conference ahead of the game against the Saints, ruling both players out of contention to feature for the Blues. He pointed out that while he has no certain timeline in mind, he expects both players to be out for a few weeks. He said (via @NizaarKinsella on X):

"We don’t have any updates at the moment in terms of two days ago. Wes will have to wait a bit and we hope for some news in the next day but for sure he will be out for a few weeks. James is getting better but it is weeks to come back."

Wesley Fofana and James are two names familiar to Chelsea faithful due to their respective injury records in recent seasons. The former has played only 32 games for the Blues since joining them in 2022, missing the entirety of the 2023-24 season with knee problems. The Frenchman had been durable this season, playing in 12 of his side's 13 league games this season, the exception being the game against Liverpool at Anfield, for which he was suspended.

Reece James missed most of the 2023-24 season and has played only 723 minutes since the start of last season for the club. The Chelsea captain will hope to return to action in the coming weeks and stay fit for as long as possible.

Chelsea ruled out of title race by ex-Premier League star

Chelsea have been ruled out of a push for the Premier League title by former West Ham United midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. The pundit believes the Blues have a good team, but not one good enough to challenge for the league title.

Reo-Coker spoke with BBC 5 Live Sport after seeing title aspirations raised in the media as the Blues trounced Aston Villa at the weekend. He pointed out that the Blues can challenge for top four, but cited moments of vulnerability as the reason why they can't challenge for the title. He said (via @Blue_Footy on X):

"I don't see them forcing themselves into a title argument. But they are definitely up there in that top four conversation.

"They look like a team now - they look really good. They do still have moments of vulnerabilities, but their attacking power is scary. They have so many options."

Chelsea are in third place in the league, level on points with Arsenal in second but nine points behind leaders Liverpool. The Blues have tasted defeat twice this season to the Reds and Manchester City, and will hope to keep up their fine form.