Chelsea injury, suspension news vs. Heidenheim: Malo Gusto, Pedro Neto updates

Chelsea return to action on Thursday evening when they square off against Heidenheim in the Conference League.

The Blues played their first game after the international break on Saturday, securing a deserved 2-1 victory at Leicester City in the Premier League.

While that remains the priority of Enzo Maresca and his players, Chelsea head into their fixture with their Bundesliga opponents with the realistic possibility of guaranteeing a top-eight spot in the Conference League table with a fourth successive win in the competition.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's latest injury and suspension news ahead of making the trip to Germany.

© Imago

Status: Out Type of injury: Unknown Possible return date: December 1 (vs. Aston Villa)

Neto was a surprise absentee for the Leicester game, Maresca revealing after the game that the Portugal international had "a problem" while representing his country. The Italian has since decided to take no risks on the winger for Thursday's game.

© Imago

Status: Out Type of injury: Illness Possible return date: December 1 (vs. Aston Villa)

Although Gusto had recovered from an ankle knock, he was unavailable against Leicester due to illness. While the Frenchman has not travelled to Germany, he is expected to return against Aston Villa at the weekend.

© Imago

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

After four successive Premier League appearances, James is again sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in training. As it stands, the right-back is sidelined for the foreseeable future.

© Imago

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

Kellyman has struggled with fitness issues since joining the Blues from Aston Villa in the summer; the attacker remains on the sidelines for this match due to a hamstring problem, and it is unclear when he will be able to return.

Chelsea have no suspension issues heading into this contest. However, Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer are all ineligible having not been named in the Conference League squad for the League Phase.