Reece James and Malo Gusto injury update as Chelsea handed double boost ahead of West Ham game

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that both Reece James and Malo Gusto are not fit for the game against West Ham, though Romeo Lavia is back in the squad after missing the last three games due to a muscle injury.

James’ fitness has been a major talking point leading up to the game, as he had surgery last season on a troublesome hamstring. The issue does not appear to have been fully resolved, as he suffered a relapse in pre-season and has yet to play a minute of competitive football under Maresca.

Enzo Fernandez who missed the game against Bournemouth is back as well as Drewsbury Hall.

French defender Malo Gusto has performed brilliantly in James' absence, helping to soften the blow of his loss, but he too has had injury problems. Speaking ahead of the game against West Ham, Maresca said both players still need more time before they can return to the team.

He told LondonWorld at the club’s Surrey training base: “Enzo is back and Dewsbury hall is back and Reece still needs more time.

“We don’t have an idea when James will be but that is quite unfortunate but we hope to have him as soon as possible.

This is a difficult game to call, as Chelsea lost at the London Stadium last season but beat the Hammers at Stamford Bridge to finish the campaign strongly and secure European Conference League football.

Chelsea can win their first three away games of a Premier League season for the first time since 2017-18 under Antonio Conte, and with West Ham yet to win a home league game, there is hope for the Blues to make a bit of history. Chelsea had only four points at this same stage last season, but they now have seven, showing progress under Italian manager Maresca, who replaced Argentine Mauricio Pochettino after just one season in charge."