Chelsea injury, suspension news vs. Fulham: Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, Reece James latest

Chelsea return to action on Boxing Day when they play host to local rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues head into the fixture having been held to a goalless draw by Everton in their latest encounter in the Premier League.

As a result, Chelsea sit four points adrift of leaders Liverpool in the standings ahead of facing a team in Fulham who were also involved in a stalemate at the weekend.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's injury and suspension news ahead of welcoming their West London neighbours down the King's Road.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: Unknown

After sustaining a hamstring injury in the win over Aston Villa at the start of the month, it was revealed Fofana will spend four-to-five weeks on the sidelines. As it stands, the Frenchman is still working his way back to fitness.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: Unknown

Another hamstring injury for James means that he is currently on the treatment table. However, while no date has been pencilled in for his return, the Englishman is back on the training pitch.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Unknown Possible return date: Unknown

Maresca revealed that Badiashile picked up an injury in training ahead of the fixture with Brentford. He has since stated that he will be "out for a long period", indicating that it will be 2025 before the Frenchman is available again.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: Unknown

Summer signing Kellyman has missed the entirety of the season so far for the Blues, and will not return until the New Year at the earliest due to a hamstring injury of his own.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Muscle Possible return date: December 30 (vs. Ipswich Town)

Lavia has been unavailable for the last two Premier League fixtures due to what is believed to be a minor issue. That will remain the case for this fixture, despite Maresca saying that the Belgium international had returned to training.

Chelsea have no suspension issues heading into this game.