Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has provided a key update on the return of star centre-back Benoît Badiashile, who was sidelined for the Blues’ recent 2-1 victory over Brentford on Sunday.
The win saw Chelsea edge closer to the 2024/25 Premier League title race, climbing to 34 points—just two behind table-toppers Liverpool (36). The match had its share of drama, with Marc Cucurella scoring his first goal for the club before receiving a controversial red card in the dying moments of the game at Stamford Bridge.
Under Maresca’s leadership, Chelsea has been outstanding across all competitions this season. However, the mounting injury concerns, coupled with unexpected suspensions, could prove to be a cause for concern as the team enters a decisive and demanding phase of the campaign.
Maresca on Benoit Badiashile
Speaking to the media after Chelsea’s victory over Brentford via Football.London, Maresca shed light on Benoît Badiashile’s injury concern. The Italian manager revealed that the French international picked up a minor injury during a training session ahead of the game. However, Maresca did not provide a definitive update on when the centre-back is expected to return to the squad.

Unfortunately, yesterday after the session, Benoit [Badiashile] felt something. This is the situation.
While speaking on Joao Felix and Romeo Lavia, Maresca clarified that both of their important ballers might be available for their next game which is the Europa Conference League fixture against the Irish club Shamrock Rovers. The clash is scheduled to take place at the Stamford Bridge on December 20, Friday.
“We had Joao [Felix] and Romeo [Lavia] that can probably be available for the next one.
Since joining Chelsea from Monaco in 2023, Benoît Badiashile has emerged as a vital part of Chelsea’s project under Enzo Maresca. His 12 appearances across all competitions this season highlight the value and trust the manager places in him.
Badiashile’s rising importance makes his injury a significant concern for the London club. If the issue turns out to be serious, it could prove to be a major setback, especially with Marc Cucurella also unavailable due to suspension. This situation leaves Maresca with limited options and could force him to reshuffle his defensive lineup.
As Chelsea continues to push for the top spot in the Premier League, maintaining a solid defense will be critical. While Maresca’s men have performed exceptionally well so far, facing strong opponents without a stable backline could present a real challenge in their title pursuit.