Liam Rosenior’s first test against a Premier League side as Chelsea manager comes against one of their biggest rivals – Arsenal in the EFL Cup.
Rosenior managed to overcome Charlton as expected in the FA Cup Third Round, but now faces a whole new challenge in overcoming the league leaders.
Injuries are looking like they are going to dominate things surrounding the first leg at Stamford Bridge. Mikel Arteta has said William Saliba is likely to be absent for Arsenal.
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As for Chelsea, there have been doubts over Reece James, Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto’s ability to feature. All three were nowhere to be seen against Charlton.
Chelsea Training Session
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Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto both not spotted in training
The club captain has been seen in training in the pictures released on the club website, however the same cannot be said for his teammates.
Both Palmer and Gusto were not spotted with the squad, leaving them as real doubts to take part at all for the Blues in the first leg.
The England international was an unused substitute in their meeting with the Gunners at the start of December, with him not the best option to bring on when down to 10 men.
It is a tough scenario for Rosenior to walk into, with Palmer being unable to really contribute for the Blues at all in the 2025/26 season.
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Rosenior hints at Estevao Willian start vs Arsenal
Without Palmer, Chelsea fans will be desperate to see Estevao Willian start in order to allow for their side to have some sort of creativity in the frontline.
Rosenior has hinted Estevao has a great chance of starting, and if not will certainly be in the XI to face Brentford at the weekend.
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The manager seemed to take Estevao under his wing in his first training session in charge, and he is clearly a player who is in for a long and successful career at Stamford Bridge.
However, looking at some of the players who are struggling with injuries after being thrown into too much action too early in their career, it has to be said the club are taking the appropriate steps to protect their young superstar.
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