Enzo Maresca: Joao Felix ready to return, Romeo Lavia still side-lined

Felix, who missed the midweek trip to Astana and Sunday's 2-1 Premier League win over Brentford, is expected to make his return to action, giving the team a significant boost in their European campaign.

Romeo Lavia, however, remains unavailable. The midfielder sat out Sunday's London derby at Stamford Bridge due to injury and will also miss Thursday's match, as he is not registered for this stage of the competition.

Encouragingly, Lavia is expected to be fit for next Sunday's Premier League visit to Everton at Goodison Park.

Benoît Badiashile, included in the squad for last weekend's 4-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, did not feature against Brentford, with Maresca yet to confirm his role in upcoming fixtures.

Meanwhile, Pedro Neto, absent due to suspension, further compounded selection concerns for Sunday's game.

Maresca remains optimistic, particularly with the expected return of Felix, as Chelsea look to balance their European and domestic ambitions.

"We had Joao and Romeo that probably can be available for the next one," Maresca confirmed, according to the club's official website.

"Carney [Chukwuemeka] after Astana was ill, Chilly (Ben Chilwell) was ill. Pedro [Neto] was suspended and then we had Reece [James] and Wes [Fofana] injured, and unfortunately during the session yesterday, Benoit [Badiashile] felt something, and Misha [Mudryk] is out too."

He added: "Benoit had a problem yesterday during the session. For now, we do not know how long he will be out for. As for Romeo, he can be available for the next game." 

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