Chelsea injury, suspension news and return dates vs. Brighton & Hove Albion: Nicolas Jackson latest

Chelsea are back in action on Saturday evening when they square off against Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round.

The Blues began the week by coming from behind to earn a 2-1 victory over West Ham United in the Premier League, moving Enzo Maresca's side back into the top four in the table.

However, they now go up against a Seagulls outfit at the Amex Stadium that will be motivated to respond to losing 7-0 to Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's injury and suspension news ahead of the first of two fixtures with Brighton, with the second coming in the Premier League next Friday.

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

Wesley Fofana and Maresca have clashed over the former's recovery time from a hamstring injury. However, Fofana has made progress in recent days and is seemingly pushing for his predicted March return date.

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Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Thigh Possible return date: February 14 (vs. Brighton & Hove Albion)

Fellow defender Benoit Badiashile sustained a thigh problem in training last month, and Maresca has previously conceded that the former Monaco man will be absent until February. As it stands, there appears little chance of the Frenchman returning to the squad on Saturday.

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

Summer signing Omari Kellyman is yet to make his Blues bow due to a serious hamstring injury, and there has still been no update on when the fledgling playmaker might be considered for selection again.

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

Romeo Lavia is back on the sidelines with a muscle injury just two games having made his latest recovery. Maresca has already suggested that the Belgium international may remain absent until March.

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Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: February 8 (vs. Brighton)

Nicolas Jackson seemingly sustained an issue with his hamstring in the first half against West Ham and was subsequently substituted shortly after the break. Although Maresca has given a positive update on the Senegal international, it remains to be seen whether he will be risked here.

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Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Groin Possible return date: February 8 (vs. Brighton)

Marc Guiu seemed to suffered a groin injury during the closing stages versus West Ham. Like with Jackson, Maresca has provided a positive injury update, but a five-day turnaround may mean that the Spaniard misses this contest.

Mykhaylo Mudryk

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Possible return date: Unknown

Ukrainian winger Mykhaylo Mudryk is currently serving a provisional doping ban after testing positive for meldonium; the player has been publicly supported by his manager but will remain unavailable for selection for the foreseeable future.