Chelsea vs Brighton early injury news as 6 ruled out and 3 doubts

Getty Images
A look at the early injury news surrounding Chelsea and Brighton ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash.

Chelsea are now preparing for a home clash with Brighton as they look to build on positive recent form that continued with a 5-0 win over Barrow in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night. The Blues have now won three on the bounce across all competitions, but they face a tough test at home to the Seagulls on Saturday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Brighton have picked up just one less point than Chelsea so far this season, enjoying a fine start to the season. Ahead of the clash, we have rounded up all the latest injury news surrounding both teams.

Matt O’Riley - Out

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has previously said of O’Riley’s injury: "It's a bad injury. He needs surgery on his ankle. I can't say how long he will be out."

Brajan Gruda - Out

Gruda is out with an unspecified injury and is expected to return some time in October.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

James Milner - Out

Milner is out with a hamstring injury. Hurzeler has said: “It can be. It's an issue where you can't approximate if it will be two weeks, three weeks or only one week. We have to be patient.”

Yasin Ayari - Doubt

Ayari should be hopeful of a return having struggled with illness last week. Assistant Andrew Crofts said after the Forest game: “Yasin reported a high temperature [before the Nottingham Forest match]. He was very poorly so it’s disappointing for him because it's a good moment for him. But he wasn’t feeling great at all. The gaffer has to make a decision on what to do next.”

Joao Pedro - Doubt

Joao Pedro should return having returned to training last Friday, but his inclusion is not certain after he missed out last weekend. Hurzeler said before the Forest clash: “He will train today with the team and then we have to see how it’s going, if he can train fully, if he can do all the movements. Of course we won’t take any risk but he will be part of the training today.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Solly March - Out

March is working his way back from an ACL injury he suffered last season. He is said to be around a month away. Hurzeler said earlier this month: “I wouldn't say close. So if you're injured for that long time, it's a long way back, but he has made a great impression.

"He's going step-by-step. He's now training fully with us, but with him, we have to be very patient. We have to go step-by-step, but the positive thing is that he's back on the training pitch. He's there also to improve and he's in a very good shape. We are all impressed how good he is already after his long injury. It's now about not putting pressure on him. It's about helping him, giving him a good environment where he can adapt quickly. He's very, very professional. You really feel that he wants to come back on the pitch as quick as possible and therefore we give him all the time, but also all the help he needs.”

Reece James - Out

James is still working his way back from a thigh injury and he is not likely to return until after the international break. Enzo Maresca said this week: "His injury is a bit delayed. The most important thing is players come back when they are 100% fit. Reece is still out. Unfortunately, we don't have an idea at the moment [when he’ll be back]. In this case, he’s been very unlucky.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Romeo Lavia - Doubt

Maresca said Lavia’s injury was ‘nothing serious’. He added last week: “Romeo looks like [he’s] very close. Hopefully for the next game.” It remains unclear when he will return, but it will be hoped he can be in contention here.

Omari Kellyman - Out

Kellyman has suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out for some time. His return date is not clear at this point. He said upon suffering the setback: “Gutted to have suffered a hamstring injury. Part of the game but I’ll be back stronger.”

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.