Chelsea team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Brighton & Hove Albion

Mauricio Pochettino's men suffered another disappointing defeat last time out, recording a 1-0 home loss against Aston Villa, with Malo Gusto seeing red midway through the second half.

Having edged out League Two outfit AFC Wimbledon in the previous round, the Blues will be eager to put in an improved performance against the high-flying Seagulls

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's latest injury and suspension news ahead of Wednesday's EFL Cup clash with Brighton.

Noni Madueke

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Muscle

Possible return date: September 27 (vs. Brighton)

Madueke returned to training last week but was not involved in the squad for Sunday's defeat to Aston Villa, meaning that he could return in midweek.

Reece James

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Chelsea captain James has stepped up his recovery from a hamstring issue in recent times, but the right-back remains unavailable for selection.

Christopher Nkunku

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Summer signing Nkunku remains sidelined due to a serious knee injury, which could keep him on the treatment table until 2024.

Benoit Badiashile

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: September 27 (vs. Brighton)

Badiashile has not featured for Chelsea in 2023-24 due to a hamstring injury, but the 22-year-old centre-back is close to making his return.

Wesley Fofana

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Having sustained an ACL injury back in July, Fofana will be on the sidelines for several months, meaning that he could miss the rest of the season.

Trevoh Chalobah

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: September 27 (vs. Brighton)

Chalobah is yet to get any first-team action this season but could make Wednesday's squad as he returns from a thigh problem.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Chukwuemeka made just two appearances at the beginning of the campaign before picking up a knee injury, and the 19-year-old midfielder looks set to remain on the treatment table for the foreseeable future.

Romeo Lavia

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: Unknown

Chelsea fans are still waiting for Lavia to make his debut following his summer switch from Southampton, with the highly-rated midfielder out due to an ankle issue.

Marcus Bettinelli

Status: Out

Type of injury: Unspecified

Possible return date: Unknown

Backup goalkeeper Bettinelli is yet to feature this season due to an unspecified injury, and there is no news regarding a return date for the 31-year-old.

CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST

Malo Gusto

Return date: October 21 (vs. Arsenal)

Gusto will miss Chelsea's next three matches after picking up a straight red card in Sunday's defeat to Aston Villa.