Chelsea Injury Update: Confirmed Latest on Christopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana and More | OneFootball

Chelsea Injury Latest: Nkunku and Guiu Nearing Return as Jackson Misses Premier League Climax

As Chelsea approach the business end of their season, the injury picture is gradually shifting — though not without fresh complications. Enzo Maresca’s side are still navigating a demanding fixture list without three of their centre-forward options, but there’s cautious optimism that key players like Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu could be back before the campaign concludes.

With the Conference League final against Real Betis looming on the horizon, Chelsea’s ability to restore attacking depth could make all the difference.

Christopher Nkunku Edging Closer to Return

The Frenchman’s season has been stop-start at best, a far cry from the impact many anticipated when he arrived from RB Leipzig. Nkunku picked up another setback during training before Chelsea’s Conference League semi-final first leg against Djurgarden and has remained sidelined since.

Photo: IMAGO

“It’s a small issue,” Maresca said at the time. “We expect him to be out for two weeks at most.” That prognosis came a fortnight ago, and while Nkunku is yet to rejoin full training, the signs are promising. His recovery timeline puts him in contention for Chelsea’s penultimate Premier League match — a Friday night clash with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

For Maresca, having a fit and available Nkunku even for a limited role could be significant, particularly given his natural aptitude for linking midfield to attack — a role few in Chelsea’s squad replicate effectively.

Potential return date: Friday May 16, vs Manchester United (H)

Marc Guiu Nearing First Minutes Since January

It’s easy to forget that Marc Guiu, the January arrival from Barcelona, hasn’t featured since the night he picked up a groin injury against West Ham. Despite the long layoff, he’s still joint-third in the Conference League Golden Boot standings with six goals — testament to the sharp impact he made early on.

Before Chelsea’s second leg versus Djurgarden, Maresca hinted that Guiu was “very close” to making the squad. “Maybe it’s better for Marc to have a few more days of training, but he is very close to being back with us.”

Photo IMAGO

There’s every indication that the 18-year-old could feature in the final Premier League fixtures, either from the bench or possibly even from the start, should Nkunku not be match-ready.

Potential return date: Friday May 16, vs Manchester United (H)

Nicolas Jackson Suspended after Moment of Madness

Sunday’s loss to Newcastle came with more than just dropped points. Nicolas Jackson, who has led Chelsea’s line with enthusiasm (if not always efficiency), saw red for a reckless forearm challenge on Sven Botman. The result? An immediate suspension that rules him out of Chelsea’s final two league games — and, crucially, the opener of the 2025–26 season.

Jackson’s absence leaves Maresca short of established options, with only makeshift choices like Tyrique George available unless Nkunku and Guiu are passed fit. That said, he will be available for Chelsea’s European final, where his physicality and direct running could prove vital.

Photo: IMAGO

Potential return date: Wednesday May 28, vs Real Betis (N)

Injury Watch: Anselmino, Fofana and Kellyman out until Summer

In defence, Argentine youngster Aaron Anselmino — who rejoined Chelsea in January following a brief loan back to Boca Juniors — remains unavailable. A muscular injury has halted his integration, but he’s expected to be ready for the Club World Cup this summer.

Wesley Fofana and Omari Kellyman, meanwhile, have both undergone hamstring surgery and won’t be seen again this season. Fofana, in particular, will be desperate to put another injury-ravaged year behind him.

Anselmino return: Club World Cup (June)Fofana & Kellyman return: Next season

Final thoughts

Chelsea’s hopes of finishing the Premier League strongly and securing European silverware may hinge on the timely return of Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu. With Nicolas Jackson sidelined and Tyrique George still learning the ropes at senior level, Enzo Maresca will be counting on his returning forwards to provide both goals and experience.

The club’s injury list remains long, but as Maresca has reiterated in recent weeks, the focus is on managing risk sensibly. “We want them back, but not rushed,” has become something of a refrain — and with good reason. Rushing players back now could cost more in the long run, especially with a busy summer and 2025–26 campaign ahead.