Chelseavs.Leicester

The Blues had enjoyed a nine-day break from action until they squared off against Copenhagen in the first leg of their Conference League last-16 tie on Thursday night, prevailing by a 2-1 scoreline.

While progressing in that competition is of high importance to Enzo Maresca and his squad, the Italian is also eager to retain a place in the top five of the Premier League table, a pursuit that continues with a showdown against his former club.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's injury and suspension news ahead of welcoming the Foxes to West London.

Malo Gusto

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: March 9 (vs. Leicester)

After taking an early knock to his ankle against Copenhagen, Gusto was eventually withdrawn. Given how the Frenchman limped off, it appeared that his availability before the international break could be in doubt, but Maresca suggested after the game that the right-back may recover in time for Sunday.

Omari Kellyman

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Kellyman is still waiting for his first senior Chelsea appearance due to a hamstring problem. Although he is nearing a return to Under-21 games, he will not be considered for this game.

Romeo Lavia

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: March 16 (vs. Arsenal)

Lavia's latest injury issue is currently expected to keep him sidelined until after the March international break. Nevertheless, Maresca revealed earlier this week that the Belgium international had made a return to training.

Nicolas Jackson

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: April 2 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)

Jackson is likely to be missing until the beginning of April on account of a hamstring problem which he picked up against West Ham United on February 3.

Marc Guiu

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: April 2 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)

Fellow striker Guiu hurt his hamstring in the same match after replacing Jackson, and this game is expected to come too soon for his return.

Noni Madueke

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: April 2 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)

Completing Chelsea's list of thigh-related absentees, Madueke suffered a problem against Brighton & Hove Albion on February 14 and should also be out until after the next international break.

CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST

Mykhaylo Mudryk

Possible return date: Unknown

Ukrainian winger Mykhaylo Mudryk tested positive for meldonium and is still serving a provisional doping ban while his case is under investigation.

Written by

Darren Plant