Liam Rosenior got off to the perfect start at Chelsea, but is about to face a much harder prospect as the Blues take on Arsenal in the EFL Cup semi-finals.
Rosenior took the opportunity to use a rotated squad for the 5-1 win over Charlton in the FA Cup, with the likes of Jorrel Hato and Jamie Gittens taking their chance to impress.
Some of the big names made an impact off the bench to help kill off the game too. Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto both scored late on.
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There was no need for star man Cole Palmer to feature, with it looking as if Rosenior left him out the squad as a precaution due to his nightmare campaign when it comes to injuries.
Charlton Athletic v Chelsea - Emirates FA Cup Third Round
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand says Liam Rosenior has to build Chelsea system around Cole Palmer
A long-standing groin issue has directly impacted Palmer’s form this season when he has been fit, and Rio Ferdinand believes this should be top of the list when it comes to what Rosenior needs to sort out.
He said on the ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents‘ YouTube channel that the new manager must build his system at Stamford Bridge around getting the best out of Palmer.
He said: “I think the biggest, one of his biggest things, that he needs to get right is getting the best out of Cole Palmer.
“I want to see the firing, goal scoring, the carefree, consistent Cole Palmer that we saw when he went there. He’s had a few injuries obviously.
“I take that as well. But I think he’s got to get to a place where he’s playing a system and a way of playing that is going to get the best out of him because he’s their biggest threat, their best player, their most creative brain on the pitch.”
Chelsea's English midfielder #10 Cole Palmer leaves the game
Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images
Palmer a major doubt to face Arsenal
Chelsea are just three games away from their first domestic silverware since 2018 in the EFL Cup, with the first leg of the semi-final against Arsenal coming on Wednesday.
Finish our XI to face Arsenal!
Cole Palmer is struggling with a minor injury, but would you still risk him?
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Rosenior will likely look to go strong in this game, but could be without his star man.
Palmer is a doubt to feature, as well as Reece James and Malo Gusto. None of the trio were in the matchday squad to face Charlton.
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