Why Nicolas Jackson can face Brighton tonight but Malo Gusto is still suspended as Chelsea exploit Carabao Cup loophole

Chelsea suffered a double blow during their 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa with both Nicolas Jackson and Malo Gusto picking up suspensions but the Blues have had a lifeline.

Mauricio Pochettino is attempting to navigate a mounting injury crisis that has seen the Blues suffer their worst top-flight start in 45 years.

Chelsea have won just five points from a possible 18 so far this term, with their only victory coming over newly-promoted Luton Town.

The club haven't been helped by their extensive injury list, with ten first-team stars already in the treatment room.

And Gusto made matters worse by picking up a straight red card during the defeat to Villa, with Jackson also joining him in being suspended after accumulating five yellow cards.

But due to a lesser-known loophole, the first of the defender's three-match ban will start straight away.

However, Jackson is free to play in Chelsea's Carabao Cup third round tie against Brighton tonight — here's why...

Jackson is eligible to play the Seagulls as yellow card suspensions do not actually carry over into the Carabao Cup.

Instead, the striker's one-game ban for accumulating five cautions will rule him out of next Monday's Premier League derby with neighbours Fulham.

Unfortunately for Gusto, red card suspensions do count for all domestic fixtures and Chelsea's European absence this season means he will be sidelined for almost a month.

The 20-year-old will miss both games against Brighton and Fulham as well as the trip to Burnley before the October international break.

The right-back will next be available on October 21 against Arsenal, by which time club captain Reece James is expected to be back.

Jackson will get one more chance to lead the line before his suspension with Christopher