Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been keen to praise two returning stars who could be crucial for the club next season.
Last season, under former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea struggled for consistency as the Blues finished midtable.
However, part of the reason behind this was the injury problems that the Argentine had to deal with, particularly to two players who he was keen on.
Last season, Wesley Fofana and midfielder Romeo Lavia missed a big chunk of football for the Blues but they are back now and Maresca could not be happier.
Enzo Maresca hails Fofana and Lavia impact
Chelsea’s incoming manager Enzo Maresca will certainly have a big job on his hands in West London with the Blues certainly having a bloated club.
The West London club have, however, made a whole host of key signings including Leicester City midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury Hall, with the Blues stealing in ahead of Brighton & Hove Albion.
As well as this, Omari Kellyman, Tosin Adarabioyo and Willian Estevao, who will join in 2025, have all signed.
Whilst new signings will be key, the return of players from injury will also be important and Maresca commented on Fofana and Lavia’s return.
“Absolutely. They are both very important. At this moment for them, it is important to get minutes, to use every training session,” Maresca told Football.London.
“I’m very happy, especially for them. For one year without getting minutes, it is difficult mentally. They need a boost, energy and 45 minutes is going to help both of them.”
Lavia and Fofana could be like new signings for Chelsea
The age old adage of injured players returning being new signings certainly works in this case as Lavia has failed to make an impact since his move from Southampton last summer.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola labelled the midfielder as an ‘incredible’ footballer when speaking to City’s website during the Belgian’s time on the South Coast before his move to Stamford Bridge.
Whilst Gary Lineker previously labelled Fofana as ‘very special’ on Match Of The Day following a good early start for the Frenchman in West London
The returning pair will be a big boost for Maresca’s Chelsea.
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