Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that French duo Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana, alongside Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, are all unfit and will not be in the squad to face Morecambe in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, Afrosport reports.
Fofana and Badiashile have been out since December with long-term injuries, while Dewsbury-Hall is also on the sidelines, having made only five appearances in the Premier League this season.
However, Maresca shared some good news revealing that captain Reece James and Romeo Lavia will be available for selection on Saturday.
“They [James and Lavia] are both available. They can get some minutes for tomorrow’s game. Benoit Badiashile, Wes Fofana and Kiernan (are out), the rest are all available,” Maresca said per Flashscore.com.
Fofana sustained an injury against Aston Villa in early December and Maresca is hoping that he makes a possible return before the 12-16 weeks quoted for his return.
“The 12-16 weeks the club mentioned is the situation. Wes is thinking he can recover sooner than that. We are all happy if he could but we will see,” Maresca said.
Meanwhile, Ben Chillwell and Cesare Casadei are both unavailable as both have uncertain futures at the club.
“… Chilwell is thinking about leaving so it is better to avoid using him and avoid injuries and these types of things. The plan is not to use Ben tomorrow,” Maresca added.
“Cesare will not be in the squad. It’s more or less the same situation as Ben. The plan is to not give him minutes if there is an opportunity for him to go and play.”
Dewsbury-Hall has also been linked with a move away in the January transfer window, but Maresca said he has a place in the team, which he will have to earn.
“For sure, he has a future with us. Also, when you want to send players on loan, it has to be from all sides; the players, the club, and the manager. It is not just about what I want,” he stated.
“For sure, he has to do that [fight for his place]. I know Kiernan quite well and he is going to do that.”
The Blues have been without a win in their last four games and will be looking to improve their form against Morecambe.
Maresca’s side will then host high-flying Bournemouth three days after in the Premier League.
