Wesley Fofana will be a notable absentee when Chelsea kick off their 2026/27 Premier League campaign against Fulham on Monday evening. The French centre back has not travelled with the squad to Craven Cottage for Xabi Alonso's first official match in charge.
Red card carryover
Fofana's absence is due to a suspension incurred at the tail end of last season. He was sent off during Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign.
The defender was dismissed after picking up two yellow cards in that match, triggering an automatic domestic ban. Under FA disciplinary rules, red card suspensions carry over directly into the opening fixtures of the following season.
Length of suspension
Because the dismissal resulted from two yellow cards, Fofana only serves a one-match suspension before returning to action. He will be fully eligible for selection again when Chelsea take on Luton Town in the EFL Cup on Thursday and for Chelsea's first Premier League home match of the season against Brighton three days later.
Who will play instead?
Alonso is expected to start with a three-man back line of Reece James, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill. They also have Jorrel Hato, Mamadou Sarr and Josh Acheampong who can fill in at centre back.
Fofana's new shirt number
Despite missing out on opening night, Fofana's standing within the team was highlighted by his move to the No. 3 shirt, previously worn by Marc Cucurella. He officially traded in his old No. 33 jersey during Chelsea's pre-season squad number announcements.
Inheriting the iconic single-digit shirt number strongly signals that Fofana is firmly in manager Xabi Alonso's long-term plans. It will come as welcome relief for the former Leicester defender, who has endured a difficult four-year spell at Stamford Bridge, one that's been plagued by form and fitness struggles.
Fulham's own suspension
Chelsea are not the only side dealing with disciplinary absentees for this west London derby opening fixture. Fulham will also be without central defender Joachim Andersen, who is serving the third match of a three-match ban after picking up a straight red card in May last season.
