Chelsea have seemingly been handed a significant boost regarding the fitness of Wesley Fofana.
Fofana missed the entirety of last season with a serious knee injury, putting in doubt whether new head coach Enzo Maresca would include him in his plans for 2024-25.
However, the Frenchman was quickly designated as a first-choice pick in the centre of defence, going on to make 12 Premier League starts up to and including December 1.
During the game on that day against Aston Villa, the 24-year-old sustained a hamstring injury, one which was initially expected to keep him sidelined for a month.
Maresca and Fofana then expressed a difference of opinion on the matter, the former claiming that the player could miss the rest of the campaign and the latter targeting a return in March.
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What is the latest Fofana development?
According to the Daily Mail, Fofana is currently making progress in his efforts to meet his own deadline for an injury return.
The report claims that Fofana is 'back on the grass' at the Chelsea training ground as he goes through the next phase of his rehabilitation.
Fofana is said to be undergoing drills at Cobham, yet it is stressed that no risks will be taken on trying to move him back into contention earlier than scheduled.
Chelsea recently acted to strengthen their defensive ranks by recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Crystal Palace.
Although Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile remain sidelined through injury, Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi and Josh Acheampong are other options for Saturday's Premier League fixture at Manchester City.
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A much-needed boost?
News of Fofana's progress comes at a time when Maresca is struggling for players in the middle of the pitch.
Enzo Fernandez is allegedly two weeks away from a return to action, with Romeo Lavia not due back until a later date. The duo are said to have muscle injuries.
As it stands, Moises Caicedo and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are expected to feature in the engine room for the upcoming encounter at the Etihad Stadium.
Darren Plant
