Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ruled out the possibility of adding injury-plagued Wesley Fofana to his Club World Cup squad as he feels the player is still not ready to play. The defender spent the majority of the 2024-25 campaign on the sidelines due to injury and made only 14 appearances for the Blues. He returned to the squad in March but was once again sidelined in April to undergo surgery.

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Maresca gave his verdict on FofanaWon't be added to Chelsea's Club World Cup squadBlues face Benfica on Saturday in round of 16Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

After a setback against Flamengo in their second Club World Cup group game, where they lost 3-1, the Premier League giants made a solid return to form by beating ES Tunis 3-0 and booked their berth in the round of 16. In the knockout stage, the Blues can add two more players to their registered squad, but manager Maresca clarified that Fofana will not be called up.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT MARESCA SAID

Speaking to reporters, the Italian coach said: "Wesley is here because he is trying to be with us and recover with us. There is no chance he can be with us in the squad. At the moment, there is no plan to bring other players."

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reported in April that Fofana could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge as Ligue 1 giants Marseille have shown interest in the player and were supposed to approach the Blues with an offer. The defender reportedly wants to end his injury-hampered spell with the west London side and move away this summer.

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Maresca's men will be back in action on Saturday as they face Portuguese giants Benfica at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte in the last 16.