Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has said that captain Reece James has not suffered another fitness setback.

The defender was not pictured back in training earlier this week, prompting fears about another injury but, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Brighton game on Friday night, Maresca said:

“Reece is okay. He was rested against Brighton in the FA Cup, this was planned to give him a rest. He’s had a bit more rest in the last few days but he is okay to be involved tomorrow [against Brighton], yes. We are very happy to have Reece with us.”

Maresca also had some positive news on Wesley Fofana. The Frenchman sustained a hamstring injury during the win over Aston Villa at the beginning of December. There were originally suggestions from the manager that the defender could miss the rest of the season but, when he provided an update on the player’s fitness, Maresca claimed Fofana could be ready to play before the end of the month:

“Fofana has started to work with us again as of two days ago. It’s good he is back working with us but we cannot rush him and he will still need at least two or three weeks working before he can be ready to play. But, of course, it’s great to see Wes back with us. He has started with us but he still needs time before he can play. Seeing Wes with the group though, with the players, it’s a very good feeling for everyone.”

Romeo Lavia has been dealt another injury blow

While the latest updates on James and Fofana will be welcomed by fans, they will be disappointed to hear that another player is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with Maresca saying:

“[Romeo] Lavia is still a little way off being back, I think he could be the same as Nico [Jackson] and looking at after the international break for a return.”

The Belgian international has not played since the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in mid-Janaury.

How many other Chelsea players are on the treatment table?

There are six players unavailable in total (including Fofana and Lavia). Benoit Badiashile (thigh) could be back in the same timeframe as Fofana.

However, Nicolas Jackson (hamstring) is expected to be out for up to six weeks, while no return dates have been given for Maru Guiu (leg) and Omari Kellyman (hamstring).

Read our exclusive interview with Shaun Wright-Phillips as he discusses Christopher Nkunku’s future and assesses Pedro Neto’s start to life at Chelsea