Enzo Maresca reveals Chelsea star will 'feel pain for the rest of his career' after injury

Enzo Maresca has revealed that Wesley Fofana will likely be in pain for the remainder of his career.

The French central defender has become part of Maresca's first-choice partnership at Stamford Bridge after making his recovery from a . The injury ruled him out for the duration of last term and he did not play under ..

Worries were raised in the win over when required strapping on his knee to play out the game after going down injured. was full of praise for Fofana and admitted his charge likely finished the game in pain. Maresca feels that will be a reality for the remainder of the 23-year-old's career.

"He had a bad moment in the first-half, very bad, but he is better," said Maresca ahead of facing Newcastle for the second time within a week. "He was probably playing with pain. In one of my last press conferences, I said I really love Wes because it is not easy playing after one year out and come back and be a fighter in the way he is.

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"Now he is fighting with pain. When you have that kind of injury, you will probably feel pain for the rest of your career, unfortunately it is like this. But he finished well and he looks okay."

Maresca also noted that he was pleased with progress after the club captain completed 90 minutes for the first time in 18 months. Keeping the full-back fit remains the club's priority.

"He played two games in a row with us - and Newcastle - in both games he was very good," said Maresca. "It didn't surprise me because I know how good he is. It is so important for us, for Reece, for the club; the only thing we want is to keep him fit and this is the main target."

With no new injury worries the Blues are left with a clean bill of health. After missing two games in a row, Jadon Sancho will be in contention to start against Newcastle after being ruled out against parent club at the weekend.

Maresca has put his absence down to a tactical decision. "Jadon is doing well since he arrived with us," he said.

"For sure, he cannot maintain the same level all season because the amount of games is huge. So the last two games he didn't play, not for any different reason, but just for a tactical and technical decision - no more than that.

"For sure, because of the amount of games, he is going to play many games and the only thing he has to do is to continue to work hard. When we give him the chance, take it."

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