Chelsea injury, suspension news vs. Astana: Romeo Lavia, Joao Felix latest

Chelsea return to action on Sunday evening when they play host to Brentford in the Premier League.

The Blues, who sit in second position in the table, featured in their latest Conference League fixture on Thursday, overcoming Astana by a 3-1 scoreline in a freezing Kazakhstan.

While all the players who participated in that game are not in contention to start against the Bees, Enzo Maresca is dealing with a growing absentee list at Stamford Bridge.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the away team's latest injury and suspension news ahead of a showdown with one of their neighbours.

Wesley Fofana

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

Fofana picked a hamstring injury in the recent win over Aston Villa, and Maresca has suggested that the centre-back may not return to the fold until the end of the year at the earliest.

Reece James

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

James, who has been restricted to just four appearances this term due to injury issues, is currently recovering from his latest hamstring problem, and a return before the end of the year is seen as unlikely.

Omari Kellyman

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

Kellyman, who arrived at Chelsea from Villa over the summer, is yet to feature for the Blues due to a troublesome hamstring problem, and the 19-year-old is not expected to be available for selection until 2025.

Mykhaylo Mudryk

Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Illness Possible return date: December 15 (vs. Brentford)

Mudryk has been a notable absentee from the last three squads due to illness. However, having not travelled to Kazakhstan, the winger may be back in contention here, albeit from the substitutes' bench.

Romeo Lavia

Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Muscle Possible return date: December 22 (vs. Everton)

Having withdrawn Lavia at half time against Tottenham Hotspur last week, Maresca suggested that it was to try to ensure that the Belgium international would be available for the Christmas period. As it stands, it appears unlikely that he will be risked for this fixture.

Joao Felix

Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Unknown Possible return date: December 15 (vs. Brentford)

Earlier this week, it was claimed that Felix had sustained some sort of issue during training. As it stands, it is unclear whether the Portugal international will be available for selection.

CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST

Pedro Neto