Christopher Nkunku will spearhead the Chelsea attack again when they take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium for the second time within a week this Friday.
Chelsea will be eager to return to winning ways and get some revenge on Brighton & Hove Albion when they lock horns with the Seagulls at the Amex Stadium on Friday night. Enzo Maresca has no new injury concerns to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
However, there has been a grim update on Nicolas Jackson, who will be unavailable due to a hamstring injury until April. The Senegalese international accompanies Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, Omari Kellyman, and Marc Guiu on the sidelines, with each absentee recovering from a thigh issue.
In addition, Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended due to a doping violation a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Maresca provided a fitness update on Jackson and Guiu, among others.
The Chelsea manager said, “Nico is injured and will be out until the international break. Probably he will be back after the international break. We knew he had a muscular problem but not how important it was at that stage. His reaction was good, so we didn’t think it was going to be a big injury. Unfortunately, he had a scan which has shown the injury, and he will be out for six to eight weeks.”
“Marc Guiu will also be out for a while. He has a muscle problem, a hamstring issue as well, and will be out for a little while. Reece is okay. He was rested against Brighton in the FA Cup, this was planned to give him a rest. He’s had a bit more rest in the last few days, but he is okay to be involved tomorrow, yes. We are very happy to have Reece with us.”
“Romeo Lavia is in the process to come back with us, Benoit Badiashile is exactly the same and Wesley Fofana has started to work with us again as of two days ago. It’s good he is back working with us but we cannot rush him and he will still need at least two or three weeks working before he can be ready to play. But, of course, it’s great to see Wes back with us.”
While Wesley Fofana has resumed training, he will unlikely return on Friday. Filip Jorgensen should replace Robert Sanchez between the sticks, with Chelsea lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him vs Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday. The backline should feature Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the double pivot. Cole Palmer will reprise the no. 10 role, with Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke being the two wide attackers. Finally, Christopher Nkunku will lead the line for the away side against Brighton.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madeuke, Palmer, Sancho; Nkunku
