Chelsea injury update: Reece James, Malo Gusto and Nicolas Jackson latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Chelsea’s defensive crisis has eased in the past week but Enzo Maresca doesn’t yet have a fully fit squad

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Malik Ouzia

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The Blues secured a narrow win over Leicester on Sunday, with Marc Cucurella scoring the only goal in a result that has boosted the club’s chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Additionally, Enzo Maresca was able to hand minutes to Wesley Fofana on his return from injury, whilst Romeo Lavia was an unused substitute at Stamford Bridge.

This week sees Chelsea look to finish off the job against FC Copenhagen in their last-16 Conference League second leg before a London derby away at Arsenal.

Reece James

Chelsea were without their club captain against Leicester because of illness.

Reece James reported a fever and temperature on Saturday and was checked by the club’s doctor, with the decision taken that he was not fit to play.

Whether James would have started in any case is unclear, with Enzo Maresca having been particularly cautious with the Englishman’s workload given his prolonged struggle with a series of hamstring injuries.

Whilst not a serious injury, it remains to be seen if he will be available against Copenhagen or Arsenal.

Potential return date: Unknown

Malo Gusto

Malo Gusto was not fit to face Leicester after being forced off early in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Copenhagen.

Gusto started the Conference League last-16 first leg at left-back but appeared to pick up a problem in the opening minutes.

The 21-year-old needed treatment and strapping before continuing, but appeared to aggravate the issue when blocking a cross soon after and was replaced by Marc Cucurella midway through the first-half.

Maresca had hoped to call upon the Frenchman against the Foxes but opted not to, revealing he didn't want to take any risks.

Potential return date: Unknown

Nicolas Jackson

Nicolas Jackson will not be back until after the March international break.

Jackson suffered a hamstring injury in the 2-1 win over West Ham at the start of February and his absence leaves Chelsea without a striker.

“Nico will be out until the intentional break, probably available after that,” said Maresca on February 13.

Jackson suffered a hamstring injury at the start of February

Action Images via Reuters

“We knew that it was a muscular problem, but we did not know how important it was because his reaction was quite good we did not think it was a big injury.

“Unfortunately he had a scan a few days ago and it is an important one, it will be around eight to six weeks.”

Potential return date: April 3, vs Tottenham (H)

Noni Madueke

Noni Madueke is also ruled out until April.

Madueke injured his hamstring in the 3-0 defeat at Brighton last month and will not be back until after the March international break.

Madueke injured his hamstring at Brighton last month

Action Images via Reuters

“Noni probably will be out until the international break,” said Maresca last month.

That means Madueke will miss games against Leicester and Arsenal in the Premier League, as well as the Copenhagen tie.

Potential return date: April 3, vs Tottenham (H)

Marc Guiu has a hamstring injury and will not play against until after the March international break, meaning he will not be able to continue his good scoring run in the Conference League.

Potential return date: April 3, vs Tottenham (H)