Enzo Maresca is managing an injury crisis at Chelsea at the moment, and is now aware that he will not have a number of options available in midfield for their next game against Nottingham Forest.
The Blues are already aware they will be missing Dario Essugo for the game as a result of his recent thigh injury, which required surgery a few weeks ago.
Essugo is not set to return until 2026, while there are also doubts over Enzo Fernandez’s fitness after he withdrew from the Argentina squad between their two games.
One player who didn’t even travel to represent his country is Andrey Santos, who hasn’t featured since defeat to Brighton at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
Chelsea v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
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Andrey Santos set to miss Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest
Maresca stated Santos would return after the international break, however it looks as if the next game is set to come too soon for him.
According to the Evening Standard, the Brazilian is set to return from his injury at the end of October, ruling him out of the trip to Forest as well as the midweek visit of Ajax in the Champions League.
Chelsea are also set to be missing Cole Palmer for the game, after it emerged that his likely return date could coincide with a trip to arch-rivals Tottenham.
Chelsea fans had been calling for more of Santos, however the Blues will have to make do with the options they have available as they look to build on their thrilling win against Liverpool.
Blues set for new midfield partnership vs Forest
Problems throughout the squad make it likely that Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo will start together in midfield for the first time this season.
Jason Cundy is excited by this duo, who have struggled to make appearances together due to the presence of Fernandez in the side.
Lavia has struggled greatly with his own injury woes since making the move to Stamford Bridge, to the point where he is yet to complete 90 minutes since arriving more than two years ago.
However, the Belgian showed in his cameo against Liverpool just how important he is to the Blues when he is available, and they will be relying on his composure on the ball at the City Ground on Saturday.