Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana has reportedly emerged as a doubt for France's upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Having suffered a number of significant knee and leg injuries in recent years, there was considerable doubt as to whether Fofana would be able to continue at the top level of the sport.
However, against the odds, the centre-back has bounced back from missing the entirety of 2023-24 with a serious knee injury by starting 10 of Chelsea's 11 Premier League fixtures.
As well as only missing one game through suspension, Fofana has shown glimmers of why Chelsea paid a fee that could rise to £75m for his signature back in August 2022.
From Enzo Maresca's perspective, he has been limiting the 23-year-old to no more than one game per week in order to provide him with suitable recovery time.
That stance is currently in line to be put to the test with Fofana part of the France squad for their concluding Nations League double-header versus Israel and Italy.
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What is latest on Fofana's fitness?
Given the talent at Didier Deschamps' disposal, it is highly unlikely that Fofana would make two starts within the space of three days.
Nevertheless, as per RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Fofana is more likely to remain in London for the international break.
Hawkins claims that there is inflammation of Fofana's knee after featuring in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League.
Although Fofana will undergo scans on Monday morning, Chelsea are reportedly of the opinion that he should not link up with Les Bleus.
Furthermore, it is added that there is pessimism over the situation, with Deschamps realistically left needing to decide whether to select an alternative.
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A blessing in disguise for all concerned?
Fofana will no doubt want to add to his solitary senior France cap, which was earned during the famous 14-0 victory over Gibraltar in June 2023.
That said, more importance will be placed on ensuring that as fewer risks are taken with his fitness as possible ahead of a hectic winter schedule.
Chelsea still have eight Premier League fixtures before the end of 2024. Fofana is not eligible to feature in the remaining three Conference matches during the League Phase.
Darren Plant
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