Chelsea fans think Enzo Maresca has ended one player's career at the club after Brighton defeat

Chelsea fans think one player's career at the club is over after their defeat by Brighton and Hove Albion.

On Saturday night, Enzo Maresca's men travelled to the AMEX to take on Brighton in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The visitors got off to the perfect start after a howler by Seagulls goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen gave them a 1-0 lead.

However, the lead did not last long as Georginio Rutter levelled the match just seven minutes later.

In the second half, a delicate finish from Kaoru Mitoma sealed a 2-1 win for Fabian Hurzeler's men.

Speaking after the match, Chelsea boss Maresca was asked whether it was a mistake to let Joao Felix leave. The Portuguese was sent out to AC Milan on loan for the rest of the season after making just three starts in the Premier League.

On his debut, Felix found the back of the net as Milan secured a 3-1 win over Roma in the Coppa Italia.

However, Maresca's reply speaks volumes; he said: "I don't think we miss Joao. Joao is happy there and we are happy Joao is happy there. We had two striker injuries on deadline day, it is something difficult to think. Nico [Jackson] can be back very soon.

"Sometimes I think you need to play some games without players to realise how important they are. Off the ball, his [Jackson] pressing is always very good and on the ball he is a threat always."

Reacting on social media one fan said: "Yep, he ain't ever playing for us again even if he does well in Milan."

Another tweeted: "Lmao. Disrespecting the player on loan like that."

A third fan added: "Felix is doing so well. He would not prefer to come back to Chelsea."

Joao Felix on AC Milan on loan during the winter transfer window. Image: Getty

As a result of the defeat, Chelsea have now been dumped out in both domestic cups and their hopes of winning a trophy now rest on the UEFA Conference League.

Reflecting on his side's performance, Maresca added: "We started very good, controlled and created some chances. The second half more or less happened the same. If there is something good after a defeat is now we can be focused on the Premier League and Conference.

"It is for sure a shame. No doubt. It is a difficult competition. For sure, it is a big shame for us. For me, a good season is seeing the team improving game after game; go through bad moments, difficulty, it is the only way this club can compete for something important. "

The Blues will be back in action next week when they take on Brighton again in the Premier League on Friday night.