Chelsea injury update: Reece James, Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Problems are starting to build for Enzo Maresca ahead of key run of games

Chelsea turn their focus back to securing a top-four spot in the Premier League following their FA Cup exit.

After losing 2-1 against Brighton over the weekend, the Blues are back at the Amex on Friday as they look to strengthen their grip on a Champions League place.

The game marks the start of an important run of fixtures for Chelsea, who also face Aston Villa and Southampton this month.

Enzo Maresca will be targeting a healthy points from the next three games but injuries are starting to hit for Chelsea.

Chelsea captain Reece James was not included in the Chelsea squad who lost to Brighton, which will no doubt have caused concern among supporters given the extent of his injury problems over the past two seasons.

But Maresca confirmed the decision to leave James out of the squad was pre-planned, with Chelsea keen to manage his workload.

“It was planned,” said Maresca. “He is okay. He’s training. It was just to protect him a bit.”

Potential return date: February 2025

Nicolas Jackson suffered an injury while playing for Chelsea against West Ham

John Walton/PA Wire

Nicolas Jackson

Nicolas Jackson looked to have injured his hamstring during last week’s 2-1 win over West Ham.

While the striker continued, he was later taken off and duly missed the Brighton defeat.

Prior to the Brighton game, Maresca confirmed Jackson’s injury wasn’t deemed serious.

Maresca said: “As I said a few days ago, it's not a big injury but he needs some days off and hopefully for the next game he can be available."

Potential return date: February 2025

Marc Guiu

Striker Marc Guiu sparked concern when he went down holding his knee, having stretched when attempting to latch onto a ball during the West Ham win.

Speaking ahead of the Brighton game, Maresca confirmed Guiu had suffered a “bad injury”.

Potential return date: Unknown

Benoit Badiashile

Benoit Badiashile has not played since December due to a thigh injury.

Maresca has suggested the Frenchman could return at some point in February, though he did miss the Brighton game.

Potential return date: February/March 2025

Romeo Lavia

Romeo Lavia’s injury problems have continued into his second season at Chelsea.

Lavia suffered a muscle injury during the draw with Bournemouth last month and has not featured since.

Speaking ahead of the Brighton game, Maresca admitted the Belgian had “a long way to go” before returning.

Potential return date: Unknown

Wesley Fofana

Wesley Fofana suffered a hamstring injury during Chelsea’s clash with Aston Villa in December.

Maresca had previously hinted the defender could miss the rest of the season, though the Blues hope he could return before then.