Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says that the club are assessing the fitness of Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia “day by day” as they step up their return to first-team action.
At the time of writing (on Wednesday morning) neither player has taken part in full training yet. However, they are in the final stages of their rehabilitation and there is a decent chance that one or both could be named in the matchday squad for the game against Brighton this weekend.
Nkunku has been sidelined since July, having sustained a knee problem that required surgery. Lavia, meanwhile, suffered an ankle injury in training during the September international break.
Both summer signings have yet to make their competitive debuts for the Blues but they will be looking to put that right in the coming weeks.
Ben Chilwell revealed last week that he is closing on his comeback from a hamstring injury. The vice-captain has not played since the win over Brighton in the Carabao Cup back in late September, but he could be available again during the festive period.
Updates on the fitness of 4 other Chelsea players
Malo Gusto did not make the squad for the 4-1 defeat to Newcastle last weekend, but the Frenchman has been seen in training so he should be fit for Brighton on Sunday.
Wesley Fofana has been pictured putting his football boots back on as he ramps up his rehabilitation from an ACL injury. The defender is still thought to be months away from making his return to action.
Trevoh Chalobah is not expected to play until February due to a problematic hamstring issue. The centre-back has not played a single minute so far this season.
Carney Chukwuemeka has suffered a setback on his return from a knee injury, and there is currently no estimate on when the midfielder could make his comeback.
