Chelsea injury update: Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, and Marc Guiu latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Chelsea will hope to welcome some returnees before the season ends

Nkunku and Guiu’s recoveries are made all the more urgent after Nicolas Jackson was sent off in Chelsea’s loss to Newcastle on Sunday. He will miss the remainder of the Premier League run-in as he serves his suspension, leaving head coach Enzo Maresca to find a solution at striker.

That mantle may fall to Tyrique George, who has deputised as a No9 in some Conference League matches this year, though Nkunku and Guiu will serve as more natural replacements once they return to fitness.

Several other Chelsea players remain sidelined as the season approaches its end. Here is all the latest Chelsea injury news and return dates.

Christopher Nkunku

The France international picked up a knock in training ahead of Chelsea’s Conference League semi-final first leg against Djurgarden, and is yet to return to training.

Also missing from the flight to Stockholm was goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, though he returned to play a matter of days later. Nkunku cannot say the same.

Speaking ahead of the Djurgarden tie, Maresca said he expected Nkunku to be out for two weeks at most as he dealt with a ‘small issue’.

He faces a race against time to find match fitness ahead of the Conference League final.

Potential return date: Friday May 16, vs Manchester United (H)

Aaron Anselmino

Argentine defender Anselmino signed to Chelsea from Boca Juniors in August and was due to spend the 2024-25 season there on loan.

He was recalled from that loan in January, though, and is yet to make his first team debut.

Maresca confirmed reports that the player was dealing with a muscular injury. The club do not want to rush the 20-year-old’s return, though he has been tipped to feature for Chelsea at this summer’s Club World Cup.

Potential return date: Club World Cup (June)

Marc Guiu

Barcelona academy graduate Guiu was injured on transfer deadline day in January, suffering a groin problem after slipping awkwardly against West Ham.

He has not played since, but is still tied for third in the Conference League Golden Boot race with six goals.

Maresca hinted ahead of the second leg against Djurgarden that he is nearing a return: “Marc could even be involved in tomorrow's squad. We are not sure yet, we will make a decision on him, but he is getting closer.

“Maybe it's better for Marc to have a few more days of training, but he is very close to being back with us.”

Potential return date: Friday May 16, vs Manchester United (H)

Nicolas Jackson

Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson was sent off after leading with his forearm into a clumsy collision with Sven Botman.

He will miss the remainder of the Premier League campaign as he serves his suspension, and will also be absent for the first match of the 2025-26 campaign.

Jackson will, however, be available for the Conference League final.

Potential return date: Wednesday May 28, vs Real Betis (N)

Wesley Fofana

Injuries have plagued Fofana throughout his career, and his stint at Chelsea has been no different. He has hardly appeared for Chelsea this season, and underwent hamstring surgery in April.

He has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign as he recovers.

Potential return date: Next season

Omari Kellyman

Kellyman, who signed to Chelsea from Aston Villa last summer, has struggled with injuries throughout this campaign and underwent hamstring surgery in March. He is yet to make a first team appearance.

Potential return date: Next season