Liam Rosenior became the seventh consecutive Chelsea manager to not win their first game at Stamford Bridge after the Blues fell to a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal.
The Premier League leaders dominated large portions of the game, however Rosenior will be pleased with the fight his players showed to claw themselves back into the tie.
Alejandro Garnacho scored twice off the bench to give Chelsea some hope in the tie, while Marc Cucurella struggled in the battle with Bukayo Saka.
Who was Chelsea’s biggest disappointment on the night? 😡
Some terrible performances on such a big night…
Chelsea v Arsenal - Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg
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One thing that was clear from the starting side was just how badly Chelsea had been hit with injuries and illness going into the game.
Chelsea v Arsenal - Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg
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Cole Palmer and Reece James set to return for next Chelsea game
Alongside the suspended Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer and Reece James were both absent from proceedings for the second consecutive game.
Despite this, Rosenior told Football London that he was confident the duo would be able to return for the West London derby against Brentford on Saturday.
He said: “Cole, yes. This game came too early for him. Hopefully, he’ll be available to train on Friday and hopefully he’ll be ready for us to play on Saturday. But he had a little minor strain in his thigh. If you play a player too early in January with a minor strain, it can turn to six weeks. I can’t afford to lose Cole Palmer for six weeks because he’s that good.
“Reece [James] had a big knock on his hip. It was too sore for him today, so hopefully he’ll be back for Saturday.”
There will have been fears when James was not in the squad after he recently brought up a year since a significant injury, however it is good news that he has not suffered a serious issue.
Cole Palmer and Reece James during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United.
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No time for Rosenior to ponder
Rosenior will very quickly be realising that he is inheriting a nightmare fixture list. Chelsea’s game against Brentford on Saturday will be their third in seven days.
Garnacho is the most unfairly criticised player at Chelsea 🤜🤛
Do you agree?
Alejandro Garnacho breaks Chelsea record
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It is the first taste of Premier League football for the new manager, and with the goal of a top five finish still alive, a victory is the minimum required for the Blues.
Caicedo will be a huge addition to the side, likely taking the place of Andrey Santos despite his two starts in as many games under a manager who knows him well.
There is still no word on whether Malo Gusto will return in time, however Josh Acheampong has continued to do himself justice in his place.
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