Enzo Maresca gives Chelsea injury update ahead of Boxing Day clash against Fulham

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Chelsea will welcome local rivals Fulham to Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day to look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.

Enzo Maresca’s men were held to a 0-0 draw with Everton last time out, snapping their eight game winning run in all competitions.

The manager was forced to get a little creative with his team selection at the weekend in the absence of a number of key players, with injuries beginning to play their part at Stamford Bridge.

One absentee who will definitely be returning is Marc Cucurella, after he was suspended for the last game due to a red card.

However, the Blues were also without Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia due to injuries.

Chelsea injury update ahead of Boxing Day clash vs Fulham

Maresca has already confirmed that Fofana and Badiashile are unlikely to play again in 2024, and this seems to still be the case after they weren’t mentioned today.

However, the boss did have an update on the fitness of Lavia, saying while he is much better he is not ready for the game on Boxing Day.

He said in his pre-match press conference: “He is still recovering. It is much better but unfortunately he is not ready for the next game.”

There was no mention of James’ condition, however he has only just returned to any solo training in the last week or so and will still be some way away from competing.

Lavia’s terrible injury record at Chelsea

Lavia has made just 11 appearances for Chelsea since he joined the club in the summer of 2023.

Only one of these came last season under Mauricio Pochettino, when he was probably thrown back into action a little too quickly after a lengthy layoff.

The Belgian has spent nearly 300 days out since his move to Stamford Bridge, missing close to 50 games.

His absence will again see Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo start in midfield together, while Cole Palmer is likely to operate ahead of them both.