Chelsea is gearing up for a home match against Brighton this weekend, aiming to extend their positive momentum following a 5-0 victory over Barrow in the Carabao Cup.
The team has achieved three consecutive wins but faces a challenging game against the Seagulls.
Brighton is just one point behind Chelsea this season and has had a strong start. Here’s the latest on injuries for both teams:
Matt O’Riley – Out
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler commented on O’Riley’s injury: “It’s a bad injury. He needs surgery on his ankle. I can’t say how long he will be out.”
Brajan Gruda – Out
James Milner – Out
Milner is sidelined with a hamstring issue. Hurzeler noted: “It can be. It’s an issue where you can’t approximate if it will be two weeks, three weeks or only one week. We have to be patient.”
Yasin Ayari – Doubt
Ayari might return after dealing with illness last week. Assistant Andrew Crofts said after the Nottingham Forest match: “Yasin reported a high temperature [before the match]. He was very poorly, so it’s disappointing for him because it’s a good moment for him. The gaffer has to make a decision on what to do next.”
Joao Pedro – Doubt
Joao Pedro is hopeful of returning after participating in training last Friday, though his inclusion remains uncertain. Hurzeler mentioned before the Forest match: “He will train today with the team and then we have to see how it’s going, if he can train fully, if he can do all the movements. Of course we won’t take any risk but he will be part of the training today.”
Solly March – Out
March is recovering from an ACL injury sustained last season and is expected to be out for about a month. Hurzeler previously stated: “I wouldn’t say close… it’s a long way back. But he has made a great impression. He’s now training fully with us… we have to be very patient.”
Reece James – Out
James continues to recover from a thigh injury and is not expected to return until after the international break. Enzo Maresca commented: “His injury is a bit delayed… Reece is still out. Unfortunately, we don’t have an idea at the moment [when he’ll be back].”
Romeo Lavia – Doubt
Maresca described Lavia’s injury as ‘nothing serious’, adding: “Romeo looks like [he’s] very close. Hopefully for the next game.” However, his return date remains uncertain.
Omari Kellyman – Out
Kellyman is dealing with a hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined for a while. He expressed his disappointment, saying: “Gutted to have suffered a hamstring injury. Part of the game but I’ll be back stronger.”
