Gusto, Lavia, James - Chelsea injury news and return dates for Barrow Carabao Cup clash
Chelsea are looking to make it three wins in a row for the first time under Enzo Maresca as his side start their Carabao Cup journey. Taking on League Two leaders Barrow, the Blues are strong favourites to progress to the fourth round of the competition.
With matches against Blackburn and Wimbledon, plus a kind semi-final draw with Middlesbrough last season, Chelsea are aiming to reach Wembley in consecutive years once more. Following Premier League victories over West Ham and Bournemouth, it has been a strong start for the new head coach.
The cup will now provide a chance for Chelsea to rotate their large squad, especially going forward, as well as offering minutes to those who have been on the periphery so far this season. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Mykhailo Mudryk are two of those who will be keen to get some action.
Meanwhile, Cobham graduates Kiano Dyer, Josh Acheampong, and Tyrique George have all been flourishing as well. Maresca has already admitted he will be looking to get them onto the pitch.
Here, football.london has the rest of the squad news and updates for Chelsea including the latest on injuries.
Malo Gusto
Injury: Hamstring.
Gusto was taken off in the second half of the draw to Palace, holding his hamstring. He also had ice on it come the end of the game and withdrew from France's Under-21 squad during the international break.
READ MORE: Every word Enzo Maresca said on Chelsea injuries, Carabao Cup importance, Mykhailo Mudryk chance
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He returned to training this week though and has been seen taking part once more with his teammates ahead of the trip to West Ham. Chelsea wrote in an update on Wednesday that he and Lavia "continued their rehabilitation on Tuesday with another modified session as they continue their recovery from injury."
What Enzo Maresca has said: "Malo is available for tomorrow [Tuesday, vs Barrow]."
Possible return date: Barrow (H) - September 24.
Romeo Lavia
Injury: Hamstring.
Lavia has not played since August’s home leg win over Servette in the Conference League play-offs. The 20-year-old only played 32 minutes last season due to injury and has already more than doubled his number of minutes in his two games this term.
He returned to training after the win at Bournemouth but was not included against West Ham. Maresca described him as being close to a return at that stage.
What Enzo Maresca has said: "Romeo is not available for tomorrow [Tuesday, vs Barrow], hopefully he can be available for the Brighton game."
Possible return date: Brighton (H) - September 28.
Wesley Fofana
Injury: Unknown.
Started at right-back against West Ham but was replaced in the second half by Axel Disasi. He was seen with an strapping on his left knee when hobbling around the pitch at full-time, although he was in good spirits.
The 23-year-old pulled out of France's squad during the last international break in order to continue building fitness with Chelsea after two seasons of injury issues.
What Enzo Maresca has said: "No, no, no [it's not serious]. The reason why we changed him is because we try to protect him a little bit.
"In the second half, they changed [Mohammed] Kudus to this side and it was probably a big risk to keep him but there is not any injury. Wes is a player I really love and we love with Wes because he is doing fantastic after one year of injury. For any player that is out for a year, it is not easy and he is doing top. This is the only thing we want from him."
Possible return date: Barrow (H) - September 24.
Reece James
Injury: Hamstring.
Having played just 11 games last season due to setbacks, James has yet to get onto the pitch this campaign and suffered a setback at the end of pre-season. Pictures of James from the Cobham training ground appear to show the 24-year-old wearing boots which could indicate he is back to working outside once more. He did spend a large period of time last year also outside but without kicking a ball, to temper expectations.
James posted a picture online on Saturday from the gym as he works towards a recovery. It is already unlikely that he returns before the next international break.
What Enzo Maresca has said: "Wait until he's fit. It's a bit delayed but the most important thing for him, for any injury, is that they come back when they are 100% fit. Reece is still out."
[Return timeframe?] "Unfortunately we do not have an idea at the moment. In terms of injuries in the past, we always hope that we can find the right solution.
"In this case, it has been very unlucky. We planned on changing him after 65 minutes and he got the injury on 62 or 63. Hopefully we can have him back as soon as possible and fit."
Possible return date: Unknown.
Enzo Fernandez
Injury: Illness.
Fernandez missed the win over Bournemouth due to being unwell. He has trained with his teammates since the match though. The Argentine returned to play against West Ham and was taken off in the second half.
What Maresca has said: "Enzo [Fernandez] is back."
Possible return date: Returned.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Injury: Illness.
The 26-year-old also sat out the Bournemouth match with illness returned for the trip to London Stadium. He has failed to start a Premier League game so far having been benched against Crystal Palace and used as a substitute in the opening two matches.
Dewsbury-Hall came on as a second half substitute at the London Stadium. Maresca has explained he is in line to start against Barrow.
What Maresca has said: "Yes [he has a chance to start]. Probably, yes."
Possible return date: Returned.