Marc Guiu adds to Chelsea’s injury concerns ahead of FA Cup clash at Brighton

Enzo Maresca revealed Marc Guiu suffered a long-term injury in Chelsea’s 2-1 Premier League win over West Ham on Monday.

The 19-year-old striker, who came on for Nicolas Jackson at Stamford Bridge, hobbled off at full-time after Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s own goal helped the Blues come from behind to seal three points.

Manager Maresca revealed the Spaniard, who joined from Barcelona in the summer, is now a long-term concern alongside the likes of Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s fourth-round FA Cup tie at Brighton on Saturday, Maresca said: “With Marc it’s a bad injury.

“It doesn’t look like a short injury and exactly how long I don’t know. Probably weeks or months.”

Nine-goal Jackson went off with a knock on Monday but the extent of his injury is thought to be minor.

The absence of Guiu and Jackson leaves Maresca with Christopher Nkunku as Chelsea’s only senior striker option ahead of their trip to the Amex Stadium.

“It could be a risk but it doesn’t look long-term,” Maresca added when asked about Jackson’s fitness status.

“It doesn’t look like a long injury, exactly how long we don’t know.  Lavia is still a long way to go.”

Out-of-favour Nkunku gained minutes off the bench against West Ham after a January window of reports linking him away from Stamford Bridge.

With recent injuries and the loan of Joao Felix to AC Milan, increased Premier League minutes for the French forward will be more likely according to Maresca.

“For sure,” the manager said when questioned if Nkunku is to play more.

“Against West Ham he played 30 minutes and from now on he can get more minutes and can help us.

“I and the club was sure that Christopher was one of the players who we intended to keep.”