Chelsea Face Injury Concerns Ahead of Wolves Clash
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has confirmed that key players Reece James and Pedro Neto remain doubts for the upcoming Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers this Saturday. The duo were absent from the Blues' Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal on Tuesday, a match that saw Chelsea suffer a 1-0 defeat and exit the competition with a 4-2 aggregate loss.
Injury Details and Manager's Comments
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Rosenior addressed the fitness of James and Neto, stating, 'Don't know yet. They have training today. It's a recovery day for the lads who played. We'll check tomorrow.' This uncertainty persists despite the injuries not being classified as serious. Earlier in the week, Rosenior explained their absence from the Arsenal match, noting, 'Pedro and Reece have small knocks. They were just in too much pain for tonight.'
In more concerning news, Rosenior revealed that Jamie Gittens is sidelined with a significant hamstring tear, describing it as a 'real shame' and indicating a long-term recovery period. He emphasised, 'Jamie is more long-term. He's got a tear in his hamstring which is a real shame for him.'
Positive Updates on Estevao and Cole Palmer
Amid the injury concerns, there was brighter news regarding Estevao and Cole Palmer. Estevao, who had been unavailable due to personal reasons, is now back in contention. Palmer, whose minutes have been carefully managed to preserve his fitness, is reportedly capable of playing a full 90 minutes. Rosenior praised Palmer's attitude, saying, 'He's been magnificent, he wants to play every minute of every game, but he's also maturing as a human being and understands the bigger picture.'
The manager elaborated on the club's approach to player management, highlighting the rigorous testing protocols in place. 'What we're doing not just with Cole, but all of the players, is doing the right tests. We are making sure these players can play at the level they need to be,' he explained. Rosenior also addressed the challenges of fixture congestion, noting, 'The lads played the Club World Cup and had no break. Then they have World Cups to go to.'
Rosenior's Reflections on Recent Setbacks
Rosenior, who has made a promising start as Chelsea boss, did not shy away from discussing the disappointment of the Carabao Cup elimination. He described the defeat as a 'massive blow' and acknowledged the players' devastation. 'We believed we could go through. The lads were devastated and rightfully so. You get setbacks in life,' he remarked, underscoring the emotional impact on the squad.
When questioned about potential frustration over Palmer's limited game time, Rosenior clarified his perspective. 'Frustration isn't the word – I'm trying to get the best out of him and the rest of the team all of the time while taking into account the games coming up. It's not about being not able to play him in some games, it's making sure he feels right and contributing to the team the way he wants to,' he stated, emphasising a holistic approach to player welfare and performance.
