Chelsea head coach, Enzo Maresca, delivered an optimistic fitness update regarding his squad as they prepare for their upcoming Premier League fixture.
Speaking at a press conference, Maresca confirmed the return of Roméo Lavia to action after an extended injury layoff, while also addressing the ongoing absence of captain Reece James.
Roméo Lavia, who made the move from Southampton to Chelsea for £53 million, had a promising pre-season before being sidelined by a hamstring injury.
The injury occurred during a UEFA Europa Conference League match against Servette in August and has since kept him off the field for several crucial early-season matches. Maresca expressed relief that Lavia is finally "fit and available" for the upcoming match against Brighton & Hove Albion, marking a significant boost for Chelsea's midfield.
Meanwhile, Reece James remains unavailable due to a persistent hamstring injury, which has plagued the defender since pre-season.
Despite being Chelsea's captain, James has struggled with a series of injuries over the past two seasons, severely limiting his game time. Maresca admitted there is no clear timeline for James’ return, stating that his "recovery is ongoing." The uncertainty surrounding James' fitness continues to be a concern for Chelsea, given his importance to the team.
Chelsea heads into this weekend's fixture after a convincing 5-0 win over Barrow in the Carabao Cup, a result that has undoubtedly lifted the team’s morale. This comprehensive victory is expected to serve as a confidence booster as the Blues look to extend their impressive form in the league when they face Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. With the return of Lavia, Chelsea is poised to strengthen their midfield options in what is shaping up to be a competitive fixture.
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