We still need to wait - Maresca provides Chelsea injury update ahead of Wolves clash

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that midfielder Romeo Lavia will miss Saturday's Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, while a late decision will be made on Pedro Neto's availability.

The Blues are preparing for a quick turnaround, returning to domestic action after a demanding midweek Champions League trip to Baku, where they secured a 2-2 draw with Qarabag.

Wolves will arrive at Stamford Bridge still searching for their first league win of the season and under the temporary guidance of youth coaches James Collins and Richard Walker, following the recent departure of head coach Vítor Pereira.

With less than three days between fixtures, Maresca faces several key selection choices. Neto, who missed the trip to Azerbaijan with what was described as a "small issue," could make his return depending on his performance in Friday's training session.

"Pedro had a session yesterday with the physio outside on the pitch, it was good. Today he will try with us and then we will take the final decision," Maresca said.

However, the news is less positive for Lavia, who was forced off just minutes into the match against Qarabag. The midfielder is now sidelined with an unspecified injury.

"We don’t have an update at the moment. We need to wait still some hours to do all the checks he needs. For sure, he has an injury. It’s a shame because we are trying to minimise minutes for him, even with that, he is injured again. But we need to persist until we find the right solution for him," Maresca explained.

Chelsea will also be without several other players. Levi Colwill (knee) and Dario Essugo (thigh) remain long-term absentees.

Cole Palmer is still recovering from a groin problem, and Benoit Badiashile is not yet fit to return from a muscle issue.