Enzo Maresca shares positive Chelsea injury news despite Nicolas Jackson setback as three players near return

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Enzo Maresca will be keen to restore the feel-good factor surrounding Chelsea this weekend following a difficult run of form.

The Blues are preparing for their second trip to the Amex in less than a week as they look for revenge against Brighton in the Premier League.

Chelsea were dumped out of the FA Cup in underwhelming style with a 2-1 defeat. It was a game that saw very few chances go the visitors’ way, and only find the net thanks to a big helping hand from goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

While the Blues were without Nicolas Jackson last week, it was expected at the time that he would be fit for Friday night’s game.

Enzo Maresca’s positive Chelsea injury update despite Nicolas Jackson setback

However, recent reports have stated the Senegal international will be out for over a month off the back of a recent scan.

With Marc Guiu also absent, many are wondering what Maresca is planning to do with no recognised natural striker currently fit.

With the striker woes in full force, the manager did at least have some positive updates regarding other members of the first time squad.

He said in his pre-match press conference that Wesley Fofana is only a few weeks away from being 100%, while Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile are also approaching their returns.

“Nico will be out until the international break, probably available after the international break. Marc Guiu will be out for a while. Romeo Lavia is in the process to come back with us, Benoit Badiashile exactly the same. Wesley Fofana needs two or three weeks to be 100% fit with us.”

Chelsea far better when Romeo Lavia is fit

In the ten Premier League games that Lavia has featured in this season, the Blues have lost just twice, with one of those being on the opening day against Manchester City, and the other against Liverpool.

The Belgian has impressed greatly in his limited minutes this season, and has partnered both Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the park.

The former has sometimes even shifted to right-back to fit all three players in, with it clear that they are at their best with them all involved.

Chelsea fans will just be hoping Lavia is not rushed back, given his awful injury record since making the move to Stamford Bridge 18 months ago.

Season	Injury type	From	To	Days missed	Games missed
24/25	unknown injury	Jan 16, 2025	–	29 days	4
24/25	Hamstring injury	Dec 9, 2024	Jan 7, 2025	30 days	7
24/25	Hamstring injury	Aug 23, 2024	Sep 15, 2024	24 days	4
23/24	Hamstring injury	Dec 28, 2023	Jun 30, 2024	186 days	28
23/24	Fitness	Nov 13, 2023	Dec 18, 2023	36 days	5
23/24	Ankle injury	Sep 17, 2023	Nov 12, 2023	57 days	10
23/24	Muscle tear	Sep 8, 2023	Sep 14, 2023	7 days	–