Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana could yet play a role in the new season despite suffering a serious knee injury, according to Mauricio Pochettino.
The Blues boss responded to the devastating blow for Fofana after the club confirmed he had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery.
The 22-year-old will sit out Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States plus several months of the upcoming campaign.
“Really sad, really bad news,” Pochettino told reporters.
“We feel so sad. We can only help him and to be again with the team we know it is tough. We need to help him and wish him all the best.
“We need to keep going, the competition is there. The competition doesn't wait for anyone and we need to be ready.”
Chelsea are also without French centre-back Benoit Badiashile for the tour although Reece James has hinted on social media that he is travelling out to join the team after suffering a knee injury.
Pochettino has looked to trim down his large squad over the summer transfer window but hinted that Fofana could still have a part to play in 2023-24.
“I hope [so], yes,” he said.
“You have all of the information that this is difficult. He is evolving in a different way but hopefully his recovery goes very well.”
