Fulham vs Chelsea early injury news as 6 ruled out and 1 doubt

Chelsea return to action on Sunday against London rivals Fulham after progressing in the Conference League despite a second leg defeat. The Blues remain in the throws of the top four race, three points off Nottingham Forest in fourth and now five behind Newcastle United, who moved up to third place with their game in-hand win during the week.

The Blues have consistently stuttered over recent weeks, and if they want to reach the Champions League, they are going to have to hit a hit streak starting this weekend, with only five games remaining after this one. Fulham have business of their own to take care of, though, currently in ninth position, just goal difference off eighth spot, which will likely be a Conference League spot, and six points off seventh place, which will certainly be a European spot. Ahead of a London derby with consequences aplenty, we have rounded up all the latest injury news surrounding both teams.

Reiss Nelson - Out

Nelson will not return this season after requiring surgery. Silva has said: “He got surgery and could be out until the end of the season. I don't want to give a timescale that is 100 per cent sure, but it could be out until the end of the season. It's a big blow for us, definitely. He was really unlucky.”

Harry Wilson - Doubt

Silva said of Wilson’s surgery initially: “He got the surgery last Monday. Everything went well; now we have to step by step keep recovering him. It's going to take a long time, probably the beginning of April.” Wilson has been a little behind schedule, but he is now in training and will be in contention to return here or next week.

Wesley Fofana - Out

Fofana will not return this season, with Maresca having said previously: “Unfortunately, Wes will be out for the rest of the season.”

Omari Kellyman - Out

Kellyman has confirmed he will miss the end of the season, writing on social media: “Beyond gutted to say that this season has come to an early end for me due to a re-injury of my hamstring. 24-25 has been a tough season for me mentally and physically due to injury, but it’s important now that I take time to get this right.”

Marc Guiu - Out

Guiu is still out, but he could return in the next couple of weeks. Maresca said last week: “We have good news on Marc. From today, he looks quite good, much better, and he can be back before the season finishes.”

Romero Lavia - Out

Lavia will be a doubt as he pushes to make a return. Maresca has said: “Hopefully, we can get Romeo very soon. I don’t know if for the next game, but he looks quite good in terms of being back soon.”

Mykhailo Mudryk - Out (Suspended)

Mudryk remains out due to a suspension over alleged consumption of a banned substance. Maresca has said: “The only thing I can say is that we are close to Mykhailo as a club, and we are trying to help him. In terms of an update, I don't have one.”