Enzo Maresca suggested that his Chelsea team "don't miss" Joao Felix following their 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton on Saturday.

Joao Felix completed a deadline day switch to Serie A outfit Milan, having made just 12 Premier League appearances for the Blues this season.

The Portugal forward netted eight goals in his 22 outings across all competitions for Chelsea, four of which came from his five games in the Europa Conference League.

He marked his debut for Milan in their Coppa Italia win over Roma with a goal, becoming the first Rossoneri player to score on his first appearance since Alvaro Morata last August.

Maresca handed a rare start to Christopher Nkunku in their loss to Brighton, with both Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu not involved due to injury.

Nkunku struggled against the Seagulls, failing to register a shot throughout the contest, with Maresca's decision to allow Joao Felix to leave the club questioned after the game.

"I don't think we miss Joao. He's happy there [Milan] and we're happy that he's happy," Maresca said.

"Two injuries on the last day of the transfer window. It's a tough one. Nico [Jackson] could be back soon.

"Sometimes I think we need to play a few games without certain players to realise their importance."

Saturday's defeat means Chelsea have won just three of their last 10 games in all competitions (D3 L4), having won eight on the bounce before this run.

They return to the Amex Stadium next Friday to take on Fabian Hurzeler's side in the Premier League, and will be hoping to avenge their FA Cup loss.