Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has revealed that Marc Guiu has been ruled out for the foreseeable future due to injury.
Guiu made just his third Premier League appearance on Monday night, coming off the substitutes' bench to help the Blues record a 2-1 comeback victory over West Ham United.
However, the 19-year-old ended the game requiring treatment inside the penalty area having seemingly suffered a groin injury while attempting to turn sharply.
A report later in the week indicated that the former Barcelona prospect had suffered an adductor issue, suggesting that he would not be risked against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday evening.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the FA Cup fourth round tie, Maresca said that the teenager would be spending more than one game on the sidelines.
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Maresca delivers Guiu, Jackson update
Furthermore, Maresca hinted that Nicolas Jackson - who Guiu had replaced in the second half versus the Hammers - was also struggling to be available for the trip to the Amex Stadium.
The Italian told reporters: "Marc, unfortunately, is a bad injury. Nico is better. It could be a risk (this weekend) but we will see, but it doesn't look long injury.
On Guiu, he added: "We are still waiting. It doesn't look short injury. It looks long injury. Exactly how long, I don't know. Probably weeks, a month."
While Jackson may have dropped down to the substitutes' bench for Saturday's fixture, losing Guiu is a significant blow to both the player and Maresca.
Guiu has improved enough to show Maresca that he deserves a place in his first-team squad, helped by six goals being netted in the Conference League.
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A chance for Nkunku
The door has seemingly opened for Christopher Nkunku to earn more opportunities down the centre of Chelsea's attack, at least in the short term.
Nkunku has struggled to make an impact across the last two months, only completing the 90 minutes in games against Shamrock Rovers and Morecambe since December 8.
Having made 17 substitute outings in the Premier League during 2024-25, the 27-year-old is in line to make a 14th start in all competitions versus Brighton.
Darren Plant
