Nkunku pushing for a start Picture: Getty Images)
Chelsea will have Romeo Lavia available again for this afternoon’s Premier League clash with Brighton.
The former Southampton midfielder, who missed the whole of last season through injury, suffered a hamstring injury in the Europa Conference League play-off clash against Servette.
But the midfielder has shaken off the knock and is expected to make the squad today.
The Blues scored four and conceded none in back-to-back wins over Bournemouth and West Ham before putting five past Barrow in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
Enzo Maresca made 11 changes to his side that evening with Malo Gusto returning to the side after recovering from a thigh injury suffered before September’s international break.
Axel Disasi and Wesley Fofana have deputised on the right but after getting 45 minutes under his belt midweek, Gusto will be hopeful of returning to the starting XI.
Reece James remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a latest hamstring setback.
Jackson is in superb form (Stats from Squawka)
Fofana meanwhile was replaced after an hour in the 3-0 win against West Ham but Maresca confirmed there was no injury concerns behind that change with the Frenchman expected to start on Saturday.
In attack, Maresca has an embarrassment of riches with Chrstopher Nkunku bagging a hat-trick against Barrow and Pedro Neto registering his first goal for the Blues.
How Chelsea could line up this weekend…
The France international has six goals in eight appearances with his midweek haul coming while playing as a centre forward. Nicolas Jackson, who scored twice against West Ham last week, may remain the manager’s preferred option leading the line in the Premier League.
Noni Madueke has made the role on the right his own in the top flight with Jadon Sancho’s two assists in two appearances helping his cause on the left
Cole Palmer was among those given the night off midweek having also been left of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League squad in order to keep him fresh for Premier League duty.
Predicted Chelsea XI to face Brighton
Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson
Where to watch Chelsea vs Brighton? Kick-off time and TV channel
Chelsea vs Brighton kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 28 September.
Given its 3pm kick-off slot, the match will not be broadcast live in the UK.
Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis
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