Chelsea injury, suspension news ahead of Copenhagen: Reece James, Malo Gusto updates

Chelsea play host to Copenhagen on Thursday evening looking to earn a place in the last 16 of the Conference League.

The Blues hold a 2-1 advantage head into the fixture at Stamford Bridge courtesy of edging past the Danish side last week.

Three days later, Enzo Maresca witnessed his team post a 1-0 victory over Leicester City in the Premier League, but full focus is temporarily on this tournament as the West Londoners attempt to lift a piece of silverware at the end of the campaign.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's injury and suspension news ahead of their attempt to progress further in this competition.

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Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Ankle Possible return date: March 13 (vs. Copenhagen)

After taking an early knock to his ankle against Copenhagen last week, Gusto was eventually withdrawn. Although Maresca was initially hopeful that the right-back would be available for the Leicester game, he did not feature in the squad. However, the Frenchman may be in line to return on Thursday night.

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

Kellyman is still waiting for his first senior Chelsea appearance due to a hamstring problem. Although he is nearing a return to Under-21 games, he will not be considered for this game.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: April 2 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)

Jackson is likely to be missing until the beginning of April on account of a hamstring problem which he picked up against West Ham United on February 3.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: April 2 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)

Fellow striker Guiu hurt his hamstring in the same match after replacing Jackson and this game is expected to come too soon for his return.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: April 2 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)

Completing Chelsea's list of thigh-related absentees, Madueke suffered a problem against Brighton & Hove Albion on February 14 and should also be out until after the next international break.

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Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Illness Possible return date: March 13 (vs. Copenhagen)

Although James would have likely only featured on the substitutes' bench versus Leicester, he missed out on the squad entirely due to illness. As it stands, it remains to be seen whether the club captain will return on Thursday night.

Mykhaylo Mudryk

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Possible return date: Unknown

Ukrainian winger Mykhaylo Mudryk tested positive for meldonium and is still serving a provisional doping ban while his case is under investigation.