Chelsea rocked by huge injury blow that could end their title hopes as key player set to miss rest of the season

Chelsea's fading hopes of winning the Premier League could be dashed after Enzo Maresca's concerning injury update.

This weekend, the Blues will return to Premier League action when they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.

Chelsea have enjoyed a fine start under Maresca and were considered leaders Liverpool's biggest threat for the Premier League title.

However, recent slip-ups against the likes of Everton, Fulham and Ipswich Town have left the Blues 10 points behind Arne Slot's men.

Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, two points behind Nottingham Forest and four adrift of Arsenal.

Enzo Maresca issues worrying Chelsea injury update

Speaking ahead of the match against Palace, Maresca delivered a worrying update on defender Wesley Fofana.

The Italian said: "Unfortunately he could be out for the season. We don't know exactly but he could be out for part of the season. Every time you ask me about Wes, I said many times I am in love with Wes.

"It was the first update and the first information we had but having a test, we realised it was worst than what we thought at the beginning. It is hamstring and unfortunately, we are going to lose him for a while."

Wesley Fofana is facing an extended spell on the touchline. Image: Getty

Fofana has been out of action since being forced off with a hamstring injury against Aston Villa last month.

Aside from Fofana, Maresca also stated that Benoit Badiashile will not be back in action until next month.

He added: "Unfortunately Wes will be out for a very long time and Benoit will be out for at least until February."

The Chelsea boss then gave updates on the likes of Reece James and Romeo Lavia, Maresca continued: "Reece is back from last game. Romeo is very close, he has started to work with us."

Expanding on club captain James, Maresca said: "He is back. In the last game, he was with us in the squad but the plan was not to give him minutes. Tomorrow we can give him minutes. Hopefully he can get minutes very soon."