Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has revealed that defender Wesley Fofana could be out for the rest of the season with a hamstring problem.

Fofana has been out of action since coming off in early December against Aston Villa in the latest of a long line of injuries since joining Chelsea from Leicester in 2022.

The French defender missed the entirety of the 2023/24 season with a ruptured ACL and also struggled to remain fit during his debut campaign at the club.

Maresca said: “He could be out for the season, yes. We don’t know exactly but he could be out for part of the season.

"We are together here since we started and every time you ask me about Wes I say many times - I am in love with Wes. I'm in love with Wes also because he is that kind of defender that gives you a chance to press and be aggressive one-on-one on the pitch.

"It is difficult to find that kind of player. So yes, Wes is a big loss."

The 24-year-old, who has played just 32 times since joining the club, has not yet undergone surgery but Maresca did not rule out that possibility.

The Italian also confirmed that players may be moved on during the January window, with Ben Chilwell among them.

Chilwell has played just once all season, in a Carabao Cup match against Barrow, after being frozen out by the head coach.

"There are players that are probably going to leave [in January],” said Maresca.

Asked if Chilwell could be one of them, he said: "He could, yes."