Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has delivered a positive injury update on Malo Gusto and Marc Guiu.

The Blues are currently preparing to face Everton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, there being an opportunity to move into fourth position in the table prior to the remaining games over the weekend.

While Maresca has benefitted from players returning from injury over the past month, Gusto and Guiu are notable names in the treatment room.

Gusto suffered what appeared to be a hamstring injury during the closing stages of last weekend's 2-1 victory at West London rivals Fulham.

Meanwhile, Guiu has been absent since the start of February with an adductor injury, it reported earlier this week that Chelsea will not take any risks on the youngster's fitness.

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Maresca delivers Gusto, Guiu update

Speaking at a press conference, Maresca confirmed that both players would not be returning from the clash with the Toffees at Stamford Bridge.

Nevertheless, the Italian suggested that the right-back and forward could be back in contention for the upcoming fixtures, Gusto potentially available for the trip to Djurgarden in the Conference League semi-final on Thursday.

Maresca told reporters: "Malo is injured, but it does not look like an important injury.

"He is already running and doing things outside, but he will not be available for tomorrow. Hopefully he can be available for the next one."

On Guiu, Maresca added: "He is close, hopefully one or two weeks and he can be with us for the final part of the season."

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Timely returns?

Chelsea already have a minimum of seven matches on their schedule for the remainder of the season, with that increasing to eight if they can reach the Conference League final.

When Reece James is not always risked two matches in succession, Maresca can benefit from having Gusto available to feature at right-back or left-back.

Meanwhile, Guiu could prove to be a valuable option from the substitutes' bench during the closing weeks with Christopher Nkunku not viewed as a like-for-like alternative to Nicolas Jackson.

Although Tyrique George has made an impact down the middle on occasions, the 19-year-old is unlikely to be given responsibility in that role in pivotal matches.

Written by
Darren Plant