Romeo Lavia will be hoping to build on his cameo off the bench against Brighton after returning from injury(Image: (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))

James, Chukwuemeka, Lavia - Chelsea injury news and return dates vs Nottingham Forest

Latest Chelsea injury news with Enzo Maresca offering a new team news update before the visit of Nottingham Forest in Premier League action

by · football.london

Chelsea are in search of a sixth consecutive victory as they welcome Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge this weekend. The Blues have won their last two games 4-2 with Gent in the Europa League and Brighton in a Premier League feeling the full force of Enzo Maresca's side.

As a result of their impressive run of form, Chelsea head into the final weekend of action before the October international break with the chance to go top if several results go their way. In comparison to last season, the Blues have been rather fortunate when it comes to injury issues.

Reece James has been the only senior long-term absentee with Romeo Lavia and Malo Gusto among those to have recently recovered from minor problems. With that said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Chelsea injury updates ahead of their clash against Forest.

Reece James

Injury: Hamstring

Club captain James is yet to feature at all this season due to suspension and a new hamstring injury. It is also unclear when he will be cleared to return from his latest muscular issue.

What Maresca has said: "Reece James is still not ready, not available. All the other players are available now."

Potential return date: Unknown

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Carney Chukwuemeka

Injury: Illness

Chukwuemeka has endured a challenging start to life under Maresca with the 20-year-old unlikely to play much this season. An opportunity for more minutes slipped through his grasp earlier this week due to illness.

What Maresca has said: "Carney was in the squad for Gent but didn't feel well during the night, he was ill."

Potential return date: Nottingham Forest (H) - Sunday, October 6.

Romeo Lavia

After returning against Brighton with an 11-minute cameo, Lavia missed the Conference League clash against Gent as he, like Cole Palmer, was not named in the league stage squad. He is expected to feature against Forest.

What Maresca has said: “Romeo Lavia is available for tomorrow [vs Brighton]. "We have one more session now and then we will decide (how much he can play). The most important thing is that finally he is back.”

Potential return date: Returned

Omari Kellyman

Injury: Hamstring

Summer signing Omari Kellyman has missed the last few weeks because of a hamstring injury and he is not expected to return until next month at the earliest.

Potential return date: November

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