Sports Mole rounds up the latest injury and suspension news for Chelsea ahead of the Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion on New Year's Day.

Chelsea make the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on New Year's Day looking to record their third Premier League away win in the space of 10 days.

After victories at London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, the Blues sit four points clear in the race for fourth position in the standings.

However, Frank Lampard is all too aware of his team's inconsistencies, and the Englishman is also having to deal with a number of fitness concerns.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up their latest injury and suspension news ahead of the showdown at the Amex Stadium.

Reece James

Chelsea's Reece James celebrates scoring their fourth goal on November 5, 2019 © Reuters

Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: January 1 (vs. Brighton)

An ankle problem has kept James out of the squads against Southampton and Arsenal. Given the short turnaround, it would appear unlikely that the academy graduate will be back in contention this week.

Marcos Alonso

Chelsea's Marcos Alonso reacts on November 5, 2019 © Reuters

Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Muscular
Possible return date: January 1 (vs. Brighton)

Like with James, Alonso has just three days to overcome the injury which has kept him out of the previous two outings. With Emerson Palmieri having played less than half the match at Arsenal, no risks will be taken on the Spaniard.

Christian Pulisic

Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: January 1 (vs. Brighton)

Pulisic was a surprise absentee from the squad on Sunday, before Lampard revealed that the winger was attempting to shake off a tight hamstring. The United States international may return to the bench on New Year's Day.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Status: Out
Type of injury: Achilles
Possible return date: Unknown

While he remains a month away from being in contention, Loftus-Cheek has progressed onto making an appearance on the training pitch in his bid to recover from a serious Achilles injury.