Chelsea face back-to-back games against Brighton, starting with a trip to the AMEX Stadium for their FA Cup fourth round clash this weekend.
While the Blues will be favourites to win the Europa Conference League this term, the club are desperate to add some domestic silverware to the collection having last won this competition in 2018.
The huge squad at Enzo Maresca’s disposal was trimmed somewhat during the January transfer window with plenty of outgoing business.
Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Joao Felix and Carney Chukwuemeka all left the club on loan but despite interest from Manchester United, Christopher Nkunku remained at Stamford Bridge.
The France international will hope for a starting role on Saturday having netted in the previous round as his side eased to a 5-0 win over Morecambe.
Nicolas Jackson appeared to pull up during the first-half of Monday’s win over West Ham United before going off early n the second. Marc Guiu was also forced off late on but Enzo Maresca would later ease injury fears over the pair.
While they were happy to let Disasi leave and join Aston Villa on loan, Chelsea will remain without Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana at the back.
Josh Acheampong will hope for some minutes having been previously frozen out of the team.
Romeo Lavia also remains unavailable as his injury woes in west London persist. The Belgian midfielder has not featured since the draw with Bournemouth with Maresca unable to put a timeline on his return.
Filip Jorgensen will hope to keep his place in goal after replacing Robert Sanchez in the win over West Ham.
Reece James has started four of Chelsea’s last five matches but with Malo Gusto fit and available, Maresca may be tempted to rest his skipper.
Predicted Chelsea team to face Brighton
Jorgensen, Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella, Fernandez, Caicedo, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Nkunku
Where to watch Brighton vs Chelsea? Kick-off time and TV channel
Brighton vs Chelsea kicks off at 8pm on Saturday 8 February.
Live coverage is available on ITV4, with a live stream available on ITVX.