Chelsea fell to defeat for the first time since the Premier League 's opening day on Sunday as they lost to Liverpool at Anfield. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones cancelled out Nicolas Jackson 's equaliser in the second half as the score ended 2-1 to the home side.

Enzo Maresca was happy with the performance with Chelsea making the current Premier League leaders work hard to take all three points. The result leaves the Blues in sixth place in the table, having picked up 14 points from their opening eight games.

One massive positive for Chelsea and Maresca is the return of club captain Reece James from injury and played just under an hour in his first appearance of the season. Midfielder Romeo Lavia also made his first start since the opening-day defeat to Man City. The 20-year-old played 53 minutes before being replaced as Maresca manages his minutes.

For Chelsea eyes now turn to this week's UEFA Conference League group game against Panathinaikos on Thursday. The Blues make the trip over to Greece as they look to build on a 4-2 win over Gent in their last outing in the competition.

Ahead of that match, here's a look at the latest injury and team news from Stamford Bridge.

Reece James Injury: Hamstring

The full-back was a surprise inclusion from the start against Liverpool after returning to training. He played 53 minutes before being replaced by Renato Veiga. Maresca's previous comments suggest that he will be rested for the Conference League clash vs Panathinaikos this week.

What Enzo Maresca has said: "For him and Romeo [Lavia], the idea was for him and Romeo to have one hour or 55 minutes maximum. I was quite afraid to keep them on for more minutes on the pitch so I decided to change both of them on 55 minutes."

Marc Cucurella Reason for absence: Suspension

Cucurella was booked for the fifth time this season against Nottingham Forest before the international break. His one-game suspension was served against Liverpool meaning he should be back in contention.

Potential return date: Thursday 24 October (vs Panathinaikos (A))

Wesley Fofana Reason for absence: Suspension

Like Cucurella, Fofana was also shown his fifth yellow card of the season vs Forest. He therefore also served his one-match suspension against Liverpool and should now be back and available for selection.

Potential return date: Thursday 24 October (vs Panathinaikos (A))

Ben Chilwell Reason for absence: Illness

Chilwell has been fighting to get back into the matchday squad under Maresca, with his only appearance so far being in the Carabao Cup. His chance may have been impacted this week by missing training ahead of the clash against Liverpool.

What Enzo Maresca has said: "Chilly is one of our players. He was ill [this week], so he didn't get any sessions. We will see how he is today and tomorrow."

Potential return date: Thursday 24 October (vs Panathinaikos (A))

Omari Kellyman Reason for absence: Hamstring strain

The 19-year-old summer signing had made two appearances for Chelsea's U21 team before suffering a hamsting strain that has seen him miss the last five Development Squad matches.

What Kellyman has said: Writing on X (formerly Twitter), the player said: "Gutted to have suffered a hamstring injury. Part of the game but I'll be back stronger."

Potential return date: Unknown

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