Jackson, Fofana, Lavia: Chelsea injury news and return dates ahead of key Brighton clash

Chelsea’s hopes of lifting domestic silverware were ended at the weekend as Enzo Maresca’s side fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at top-flight rivals Brighton.

Now their focus is down to the Premier League - where they currently sit fourth - and the UEFA Conference League - which gives them their only opportunity of winning a trophy since the FIFA Club World Cup in February 2022.

The Blues after spending a staggering amount of money in the Todd Boehly era will be demanding Champions League qualification as a minimum requirement and have been presented with the perfect chance for redemption as they once again travel to the Amex Stadium to take on Brighton in the second meeting between the two sides in the space of six days.

Maresca faces a host of key selection challenges ahead of the game and will be sweating over the fitness of star forward Nicolas Jackson ahead of the game after a subdued showing from Christopher Nkunku on the South Coast. Ahead of what promises to be a crucial clash in the race for fourth, we take a look at Chelsea’s current injury situation and when a number of their big hitters are expected to return.

Wesley Fofana

French central defender Wesley Fofana has struggled with injuries since making the £75m move to Chelsea in August 2022.The 24-year-old has missed the last 11 Premier League matches with a hamstring problem and is targeting a return by next month, according to Premier Injuries.

However, Enzo Maresca was a lot less optimistic when discussing the situation in January. He told reporters: “With Wes, we don’t know exactly how long he could be out for, but he has a hamstring injury, and unfortunately, we are going to lose him for a while. He could be out for the season, yes.”

Romeo Lavia & Benoit Badiashile

Former Southampton wonderkid Romeo Lavia has also had a difficult time with injuries since making the move to Stamford Bridge. The young Belgian has played just 10 league matches this season and is not expected to return until April.

Enzo Maresca commented: “No, Romeo is still in the process to come back. He's still got a long way to go.”

Chelsea have also been plagued by injuries in defensive areas and another long-term absentee has been Beniot Badiashile, who has been out since the 4-3 victory over Tottenham in November.

“Benoit will be out at least until February,” said Enzo Maresca, who hopes to welcome back the Frenchman by the end of this month.

Nicolas Jackson & Mykhaylo Mudryk

One of Chelsea’s standout performers this season. Nicolas Jackson is a doubt for the Blues heading into Friday’s clash with Brighton. The Senegal international is currently nursing a thigh problem and is being assessed by the medical team ahead of kick-off.

Maresca commented before the Brighton FA Cup contest: Could be [available on Saturday] but could also be a risk. We will see, but it doesn't look like a long injury.”

Ukrainian international Mykhaylo Mudryk is currently suspended after testing positive for a banned substance. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca does not yet known when he will have him back in the squad, but claims the club are doing everything they can to support the player:”'The only thing I can say is that we are close to Mykhailo as a club, and we are trying to help him. In terms of an update, I don't have one.”

Elsewhere, after a fairly quiet January, Chelsea are believed to be lining up a blockbuster offer for in-form Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.