Chelsea suffer another injury setback as defender crocked in Brentford friendly
The folly, as some would see, in playing friendlies is that players can get serious injuries when nothing is at stake.
Chelsea fans vividly recall in 2019 when Ruben Loftus-Cheek injured an ankle in a charity friendly match against US side New England Revolution.
Now, Chelsea have been dealt a massive blow after Wesley Forfana injured his knee in a behind-closed-doors match against Brentford this week.
The French defender was just coming back from injury and although the Blues won 5-1, it’s a heavy price to pay for match fitness practice.
This injury comes hot on the heels, or should that be anterior cruciate ligament, of the injury sustained by young striker Armando Broja in a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa out in Doha. He will have surgery and his season is now over.
Most of Chelsea’s World Cup players are back in training as they gear up for the resumption of Premier League duties on December 27 when they face AFC Bournemouth at the Bridge.
Head coach Graham Potter will be wrapping his charges in cotton wool this week hoping there are no more injuries.
It’s unlikely he will risk Reece James against the Cherries, but the England right-back is almost back to full fitness.
Off the field, the Blues have a new technical director who starts immediately.
German Christopher Vivell was responsible for recruitment and scouting at RB Leipzig.
He said: “Chelsea are building the most exciting project in global football and I’m extremely proud to be joining the club.
“There is so much potential for the club to continue to succeed, develop and grow. Under the new ownership, Graham Potter and the broader sporting team, there is a clear and sustainable philosophy underpinned by performance analysis, data and innovation, and I am looking forward to playing a part in that.’
Todd Boehly, Chelsea chairman, and Behdad Eghbali, co-controlling owner, said: “His work in Germany and Austria speaks for itself. We are confident he will continue on his impressive trajectory here at Chelsea. He will provide important support to Graham and the ownership group and play a vital part in advancing our overall vision for the club.”
Chelsea Women have been drawn away to Spurs in the quarter-final.
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