Chelsea Injury Update: Confirmed Latest on Romeo Lavia, Malo Gusto and More | OneFootball

Chelsea Injury Latest: Gusto Blow, Lavia Progress and Guiu Hope as Season Reaches Critical Stage

As Chelsea edge closer to the business end of the season, injury concerns continue to pile up at Stamford Bridge. The Blues may have snatched a much-needed 2-1 win over Fulham, but the sight of Malo Gusto limping off in the dying minutes took some gloss off the result. With key fixtures looming — including a crucial Conference League semi-final — Enzo Maresca’s squad depth is once again under scrutiny.

Below, we delve into the latest updates on Chelsea’s walking wounded, with a close eye on Romeo Lavia and Malo Gusto, two young talents whose fitness could significantly impact how the rest of the campaign unfolds.

Gusto injury sours Fulham victory

Chelsea’s narrow derby win at Craven Cottage came at a price. Malo Gusto, introduced at half-time in place of Reece James, failed to complete the match. The French full-back pulled up under pressure from Adama Traoré in the 89th minute and was quickly replaced by Tosin Adarabioyo.

Photo: IMAGO

Post-match, Maresca didn’t sugar-coat the situation: “For sure it is not a good one, a muscle problem.” That points towards a hamstring issue, and while the club has not issued a formal diagnosis, his availability for the home clash with Everton is now doubtful. With the Conference League semi-final against Djurgarden also around the corner, Chelsea could be forced to shuffle their pack at the back yet again.

Maresca has leaned heavily on Gusto this season, particularly during Reece James’s extended absence. Losing the energetic right-back now would be a major setback for a side still trying to claw its way into European contention.

Lavia returns to the fold – but with caution

Romeo Lavia’s Chelsea career has been plagued by injuries, but there’s finally a flicker of hope. The Belgian midfielder made the matchday squad for the first time since March, although he remained an unused substitute against Fulham.

Lavia’s last competitive minutes came during a brief cameo against Arsenal, and hamstring problems have dogged him throughout the season. However, signs are positive. Having returned to full training, Maresca is likely to reintroduce him cautiously — potentially against Everton, assuming no setbacks in the coming days.

Photo: IMAGO

Considering Chelsea’s midfield options have often lacked balance, a fit and firing Lavia could be a welcome boost in the campaign’s closing stretch.

Guiu recovery ahead of schedule

Marc Guiu is perhaps not the most headline-grabbing name in Chelsea’s squad, but the teenage striker had begun to make an impression before suffering a groin injury on deadline day in January. He was hurt attempting to stretch for a pass in the win over West Ham and has been sidelined since.

Encouragingly, Maresca has offered a relatively upbeat update: “We have good news on Marc. From today, he looks quite good, much better, and he can be back before the season finishes.”

That puts Guiu on track for a potential return in May — perhaps even to be included on the bench in the final weeks. With Christopher Nkunku still struggling for rhythm and Nicolas Jackson enduring inconsistent form, Guiu’s reintegration could offer Chelsea another option in attack.

Other absentees remain long-term

Elsewhere, Chelsea continue to manage long-term injuries. Wesley Fofana and Omari Kellyman are unlikely to feature again this season. Fofana recently underwent surgery and is now targeting a return in time for the Club World Cup, while Kellyman confirmed via Instagram that he has had successful surgery on his hamstring — but also that his season is over.

Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku’s absence from the Fulham matchday squad raised eyebrows, but Maresca clarified it was purely a “technical decision,” with no new injury reported. That suggests the Frenchman could be back in the squad against Everton.

Conclusion: A fragile squad with big decisions ahead

For Enzo Maresca, the remainder of the season is about balancing risk and reward. Can Romeo Lavia be trusted to start before the season ends? Will Malo Gusto’s absence force a tactical rethink on the right flank? And could Marc Guiu’s return come in time to offer a wildcard option up front?

With Chelsea still clinging to their Conference League ambitions — and hoping for a late surge in the league — the fitness of these players may prove pivotal. Maresca must hope his injury luck finally turns.