Enzo Maresca offers injury update on Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah ahead of Chelsea's clash with Crystal Palace

Enzo Maresca has confirmed that both Wesley Fofana and Trevor Chalobah will be fit for the start of the Premier League season.

Defenders had been injury doubts
Fears of centre-back crisis at Chelsea eased
Blues take on Community Shield winners Palace

There would have been a few concerns in the Blues changing room when Chalobah was forced off in Chelsea’s 4-1 pre-season friendly victory over AC Milan. Coupled with Fofana’s ongoing problems with fitness, Maresca would have been sweating over the pair’s availability. However, it appears both defenders will be fine to start the season.

Speaking after the game, Maresca said: “[Chalobah] is ok. It was too hot, so he decided to go out!

“[Fofana] will be available for Palace. We are very happy because he is an important player.”

Chelsea’s defensive options have been limited following the injury of central-defender Levi Colwill. The Englishman tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in training and has undergone surgery. It is unlikely that Colwill will make an appearance for the club this season with ACL injuries typically taking nine to 12 months to recover from.

It is a difficult opening test for the Blues as they take on Crystal Palace. The Eagles will be buoyed by yet more success at Wembley, having beaten Liverpool on penalties to lift the Community Shield on Sunday.