Chelsea have reportedly decided how they wish to handle the recovery from injury of Marc Guiu.
Having been signed from Barcelona during the summer transfer window, the 19-year-old essentially became third choice in the pecking order for the middle of the attack.
However, netting six goals in as many Conference League matches led to Guiu receiving more first-team opportunities past the turn of the year.
When replacing the injured Nicolas Jackson during the second half of a Premier League fixture against West Ham United on February 3, the starlet appeared in line to make more responsibility in top-flight matches.
Instead, the Spaniard would suffer an adductor injury during the closing seconds of that encounter and has not been seen since.
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What is Chelsea's stance on Guiu?
Earlier this month, Enzo Maresca suggested that he had been informed that Guiu would be available for selection before the end of the season without revealing a specific date.
According to The Athletic, the current expectation is that Guiu will be back in the squad at some point in May.
Nevertheless, it is stressed that Chelsea's medical staff have no intention of taking any risks with the youngster and recent focus has been on strengthening his leg muscles.
Furthermore, Chelsea are allegedly assessing the situation on a weekly basis to determine when the best time is to reintroduce Guiu back into the senior ranks.
From Saturday onwards, Chelsea face the prospect of playing five matches in the space of two weeks, including two matches with Djurgarden in their Conference League semi-final.
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Why Maresca will be keen for Guiu return
With Christopher Nkunku having been left out of the squad for Sunday's West London derby at Fulham, it is clear that the France international has little future as a number nine under Maresca.
Maresca has previously talked up Guiu's ability to press and likened him to Jackson, and it is plausible to expect a certain level of rotation.
In the short term, though, substitute appearances may be the limit for Guiu. He has accumulated just 137 minutes across three appearances since the start of 2025.
Darren Plant
