Chelsea defender Fofana to miss remainder of season

In yet another blow to a career blighted by injury, Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana has undergone successful hamstring surgery, the Premier League club has confirmed.

France defender Fofana, regarded as one of the best defensive prospects around, had just recently returned from an extended period on the sidelines due to a muscle injury but only played two league matches before being left out of Thursday's win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Fofana, who has suffered immensely from injury, has only played 14 Premier League games for Enzo Maresca's side this season.

Chelsea are fourth in the league standings with eight matches remaining after their 1-0 win over Spurs on Thursday.

The Blues take on Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday.

"Wesley was assessed by specialists this week after the 24-year-old suffered an injury of the muscle. Following that assessment, it was concluded that an operation would be required," Chelsea said in a statement.

"The 24-year-old will now begin his recovery and undergo rehabilitation with the club's medical staff at Cobham over the coming weeks."

On 31 August 2022, Fofana joined Premier League club Chelsea on a seven-year contract for a reported initial fee of £70 million (Sh11.76 billion) plus £5 million (Sh840.3 million) in add-ons.