Jackson, Guiu, Fofana – Latest Chelsea injury news and return dates before Brighton FA Cup tie

Enzo Maresca could be without a recognised striker for Chelsea’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Brighton. The Blues picked up a very important victory earlier this week as they came from behind to beat West Ham in Premier League action at Stamford Bridge.

With the clash taking place on deadline day, late January business for Chelsea appeared unlikely. Despite that, midfielder Mathis Amougou joined the club from Saint-Etienne, with Joao Felix, Axel Disasi and Carney Chukwuemeka heading out on loan.

Not bringing in an attacker now looks set to cost Chelsea, with two injury worries at the top end of the pitch emerging. With that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Blues fitness updates before the trip to the south coast.

Nicolas Jackson

Injury: Hamstring

Inside the first half against West Ham, Jackson went down clutching his hamstring. He was able to continue but Maresca made the decision to bring him off seven minutes after the interval.

What Maresca has said: “Could be [available on Saturday] but could also be a risk. We will see, but it doesn’t look like a long injury.”

Possible return date: Brighton (A) – Premier League – Friday, February 14.

Marc Guiu

Injury: Groin

Marc Guiu, who was Jackson’s replacement on Monday evening, also picked up an injury, but he looks set to be out of action for much longer.

What Maresca has said: “We are still waiting. It doesn’t look like a short injury; it looks like a long injury. Exactly how long, I don’t know. Probably weeks/months, yes.”

Possible return date: Unknown.

Wesley Fofana

Injury: Hamstring

Since suffering an injury against Aston Villa in early December, Wesley Fofana has not played for Chelsea. As football.london reported last month, the Frenchman has returned to individual work at Cobham but caution will be taken on bringing him back into the fold given his injury issues.

What Maresca has said: “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.”

Possible return date: Unknown.

Romeo Lavia

Lavia is also back on the injury list having picked up a fresh problem last month.

Injury: Hamstring

What Maresca has said: “No, Romeo is still in the process to come back. He’s still got a long way to go.”

Possible return date: Unknown.

Benoit Badiashile

football.london understands Benoit Badiashile is closing in on a return from injury. The France international has not played for the last two months but has been working towards making a comeback having stepped up his recovery by completing some individual work on the grass at Cobham.

What Maresca has said: “Benoit will be out at least until February.”

Possible return date: Late February.

Mykhailo Mudryk

Mykhailo Mudryk is currently unavailable for Chelsea having tested positive for a banned substance.

What Maresca has said: “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.”

Possible return date: Unknown.