The Blues return to the Amex Stadium on Friday night (kick-off 8pm UK time), having exited the FA Cup at the fourth round stage against the same opposition on Saturday following our 2-1 defeat.

Ahead of the trip to Sussex, Maresca faced questions from the media at Cobham and was asked to update on the fitness of a number of his players – including strikers Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu.

‘Nico is injured and will be out until the international break,’ Enzo confirmed at his pre-match press conference. ‘Probably he will be back after the international break.

‘We knew he had a muscular problem but not how important it was at that stage. His reaction was good, so we didn’t think it was going to be a big injury. Unfortunately, he had a scan which has shown the injury, and he will be out for six to eight weeks.

‘Marc Guiu will also be out for a while. He has a muscle problem, a hamstring issue as well, and will be out for a little while.’

Meanwhile our head coach has confirmed that skipper Reece James is fine to face the Seagulls tomorrow evening, having been rested for the FA Cup tie at the Amex Stadium last weekend.

The right-back has impressed since making his return to action in recent months following a spell on the sidelines and Maresca is pleased to be able to call up on the qualities of James.

‘Reece is okay,’ added the Italian. ‘He was rested against Brighton in the FA Cup, this was planned to give him a rest.

‘He’s had a bit more rest in the last few days but he is okay to be involved tomorrow, yes. We are very happy to have Reece with us.’

There is also positive news on three other absentees, who Maresca has confirmed are all making progress in their recoveries.

Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile are getting closer to being able to return to training, while Wesley Fofana has started working with the group again and could be available again in the next few weeks.

‘Romeo Lavia is in the process to come back with us, Benoit Badiashile is exactly the same and Wesley Fofana has started to work with us again as of two days ago,’ stated Maresca.

‘It’s good he is back working with us but we cannot rush him and he will still need at least two or three weeks working before he can be ready to play. But, of course, it’s great to see Wes back with us.

‘He has started with us but he still needs time before he can play. Seeing Wes with the group though, with the players, it’s a very good feeling for everyone.

‘Lavia is still a little way off being back, I think he could be the same as Nico and looking at after the international break for a return.’