Chelsea: Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku latest as Mauricio Pochettino confirms fitness boost

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed both Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku will face late fitness tests ahead of their game against Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend.

Nkunku was a brilliant addition, instantly scoring goals in pre-season before his injury, while Romeo Lavia joined after an excellent campaign with Southampton.

French forward Nkunku was pictured in open training with the team on Friday, with a huge possibility of him making his Premier League debut for the club this weekend.

Pochettino told reporters ahead of the game against the Seagulls: "Not too much news. I don't believe we can recover some players that was previously possible. We will see if we can have one more training session for some to be available.

"Both Nkunku and Lavia are very close but we still have one training session and Nkunku is very close but let's see how things go."

Chelsea have won only one league game and will be missing some key players including captain Reece James who is suspended after his sending-off against Newcastle.

Brighton did the double against Chelsea last season, although the Blues have beaten them at the start of this season to progress in the League Cup.

Chelsea have won just one game at home this season in the league and Argentine manager Pochettino will be hoping that he gets a good response from the 4-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle last weekend.