Chelsea were without Cole Palmer, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens for Wednesday's clash against Arsenal and Liam Rosenior has provided the latest on his squad
13:45, 15 Jan 2026Updated 14:02, 15 Jan 2026
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior
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Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior is hopeful some of his players will return for the weekend clash against Brentford (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)(Image: )
Liam Rosenior is hopeful Cole Palmer and Reece James will be in the Chelsea squad for the weekend clash against Brentford as a virus wreaks havoc at the west London club.
Both Palmer and James missed the FA Cup win at Charlton Athletic on Saturday and were also not included in the squad to face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday. Rosenior previously confirmed Palmer was suffering with a "minor strain in his thigh", while the Chelsea captain "had a big knock on his hip"
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Rosenior said he was hopeful both will be available to face the Bees at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. He said: "They're both training today. Hopefully they'll be in the squad on Saturday."
Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens were forced to sit out the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal due to illness and the club are now trying to contain a virus, which has also struck down members of the coaching staff.
"[Delap is] still at home at the moment recovering, as is Jamie Gittens," Rosenior said. "The club doctors are looking to contain a virus because some of our staff have gone down as well. We had a meeting today, telling everyone to wash their hands and everything which is important."
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Malo Gusto also missed the clash against Arsenal but a timeframe for the defender's return is not known. Rosenior, meanwhile, revealed Romeo Lavia is training individually on the grass as the midfielder continues to recover from a muscle injury. The 22-year-old has not featured since limping off after eight minutes against Qarabag in the Champions League on November 5.
"Romeo is on the pitch, he is not with the group, but he is out on the pitch," Rosenior said. "He is someone I would love to work with in the long-term because he's an outstanding player.
"It's important we don't push him too hard because when he is back, we want him to be back for good. No timeframe."