Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has provided an update on the fitness of several key players as the Blues turn their attention to Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brentford, following their 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Speaking ahead of the weekend fixture, Rosenior reflected on the physical demands on his squad during a congested run of games and emphasised the importance of careful player management at this stage of the season.
In a statement shared via the club’s official X handle, Rosenior explained that Cole Palmer missed the Arsenal game as it came too soon in his recovery, with the club unwilling to take any risks over a minor thigh issue. The Chelsea boss remains hopeful the influential attacker will return to training on Friday. Rosenior said:
With Cole, the game came too early for him. Hopefully, he’ll be available to train on Friday and hopefully be ready for us on Saturday. He had a little, minor strain in his thigh, and if you play a player too early, in January, with a minor strain, it can turn into six weeks out injured. I can’t afford to lose Cole Palmer for six weeks because he’s too good.
Rosenior also confirmed that Reece James was unavailable due to a painful knock to his hip but could return in time for the weekend. He stated:
Reece had a big knock on his hip; it was too sore for him today, so hopefully he’ll be back for Saturday.
Despite the loss to Arsenal, the Chelsea boss highlighted several positives, noting that illness and suspension severely limited his options on the night. He said:
Considering those two were out, Jamie Gittens was ill last night, Liam Delap was due to play but was ill four hours before the game, Moi Caicedo was suspended and Malo Gusto was out, there are a lot of positive aspects shown by the group tonight.
Rosenior added further concern over the condition of Gittens and Delap, revealing both players were suffering from high fevers. He noted:
Both of them had really high temperatures – dangerously high. Hopefully, they can rest up and be okay for Saturday.
Softfootball earlier reported that Rosenior had already urged patience with Cole Palmer following Chelsea’s 5-1 win over Charlton Athletic, stressing that the club would not rush the midfielder back and risk a long-term absence.
With Brentford up next, Chelsea will be hoping for timely returns as they look to bounce back quickly and keep momentum alive despite their Carabao Cup first leg setback.
