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Reece James, Enzo Fernandez, Ben Chilwell - Latest Chelsea injury news for Brighton clash

Nicolas Jackson and Reece James
Chelsea star Reece James made his long-awaited return from injury against Nottingham Forest and made an immediate impact at the City Ground -Credit:Michael Regan/Getty Images


Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping for more Chelsea injury boosts ahead of the Premier League clash against Brighton. The Blues are in fine form and on course to qualify for next season's Europa League following a 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest that was their third in as many games.

Both Raheem Sterling and Reece James returned to action at the City Ground and played a crucial role in Pochettino's side coming from behind to win. Unlike the aforementioned duo, Levi Colwill stayed on the bench for the full game as he did the previous week in the win against West Ham.

Any fresh blows before Brighton are a real possibility though, especially as Chelsea have been plagued by injuries in this campaign. However, it is unlikely that any potential issues are not revealed ahead of the Wednesday evening clash, with Pochettino's press conference to come later today.

With that said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Chelsea injury news along with some potential return dates.

Reece James

James featured off the bench against Nottingham Forest and picked up a delightful assist in his 11-minute cameo.

Injury: Hamstring.

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What Pochettino has said: "Massive. It's unlucky there are only two games ahead and it's one week. It is important for him to recover for his feelings and he is such an important player for us. He is our captain. We all love him. Yes, important, and to see whether he will be fit and have a chance of making the Euros."

"We have one more week to work. He is doing well in the training sessions. After four or five months, he's not the same to train and compete but if he has the possibility to do that in the next two games, and if his coach in the national team believes he can cope with the competition, I think he will be ready."

Possible return date: Returned.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Chukwuemeka is currently undergoing a rehabilitation programme. After enjoying a great start to the campaign, the 20-year-old midfielder has sadly been riddled with injuries and setbacks.

Injury: Knee.

What Pochettino has said: "Carney feels something in his knee. Related to his problem before. Hopefully it's not a big issue and they can be available as soon as possible because now we are going to lose two players who were there and thinking [they] can help the team."

Possible return date: Unknown.

Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing groin surgery. The 23-year-old midfielder has recently begun a rehabilitation programme at Cobham training ground.

Taking to Instagram ahead of Chelsea's clash against West Ham, Fernandez posted a picture of himself completing an exercise with a pair of dumbbells. Remaining coy on his rehabilitation, he reduced the caption to a couple of emojis – an hourglass and a white heart.

Injury: Groin.

What Pochettino has said: "At the moment he feels the pain and he feels the limitations because of the problem. The most important thing is to fix the problem for him. If he does not feel well, he cannot perform because of the situation, it's not good for him, the team or the club."

Possible return date: Summer.

Ben Chilwell

Chilwell was absent from the matchday squad against West Ham. He's also 'continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme'.

Injury: Unknown.

What Pochettino has said: "Chilly, also, after the national team – it's the same problem he suffered in the last few weeks."

Possible return date: Unknown.

Robert Sanchez

Sanchez has been out of the side for a while now, with Marcus Bettinelli stepping into the number two role. The Spaniard shot-stopper is back in partial team training.

Injury: Unknown.

Possible return date: Unknown.

Lesley Ugochukwu

Ugochukwu has recently returned to first-team training after four months out. The 20-year-old midfielder's last appearance came on Christmas Eve.

Injury: Unknown.

Possible return date: Unknown.

Romeo Lavia

Lavia is 'continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme'. The 20-year-old midfielder has featured just once for Chelsea this season, having struggled to stay match-fit and escape injury.

Injury: Thigh.

Possible return date: Next season.

Wesley Fofana

Fofana hasn't featured once this season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament. The 23-year-old defender has recently returned to training on the pitches at Cobham, though he's considered to be a long way from returning to first-team action.

Injury : ACL.

What Pochettino has said: "Unfortunately, I think it is difficult to see Wes playing this season, but you never know."

Possible return date: Next season.