Liam Rosenior provided an injury update on Reece James following Chelsea's 1-0 win over Pafos in the UEFA Champions League. The Blues boss raised eyebrows when took off his captain at half-time, bringing on Estevao Willian.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Rosenior explained why he took James off – and his initial reaction spoke volumes. When asked whether fans should be worried about the England international, the 41-year-old shook his head and said: "[I'm] managing the group as best as I can.
"We have so many games. Reece is so important. I don't normally do pre-planned subs, but I wanted Reece to feel the way I wanted him to play, but I also need him because he's so important for us."
Rosenior added: "So, we made an attacking change and we brought on Estevao for Reece and played with an extra attacking player. I thought Estevao, when he came on, was very, very good as well."
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Moises Caicedo, who finally broke the deadlock at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, was delighted to fire Chelsea to victory. Also speaking to TNT Sports, the Blues midfielder said: "It was a very important goal for the team so I'm so happy because the game was so tough.
"The team was good. We got three points and now we're going to enjoy and we're going to keep going because we have one more game to go."
Moises Caicedo of Chelsea celebrates after he scored for 1-0 during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Chelsea FC and Pafos FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2026 in London, England
Caicedo did grab what went on to be the winning goal (Image: 2026 Camera Sport)
On being a leader in the squad, Caicedo said: "A lot of people tell me I am a leader. I don't talk too much in the dressing room but I like to show on the pitch and in training."
And, on playing against a low-block, Caicedo added: "It's so difficult but we controlled the game really well and that was important for us because in every moment we were going to score more goals."
Wesley Fofana also spoke to TNT Sports after the game. The Blues defender said: "Very important three points. We stay close and we win tonight, we're very happy.
"We score a little bit late but the most important [thing] is the three points."
Chelsea were left frustrated after being denied a penalty for handball against Pafos
Chelsea were left frustrated after being denied a penalty for handball against Pafos (Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
On Caicedo, Fofana said: "Everyone knows he's incredible. He helps the team without the ball a lot but with the ball as well. Tonight we see he scores a good header, he's not the most tall but he scores and we're very happy. Moises is incredible."
On facing such a deep-lying opposition, Fofana said: "Pafos play very well and play a low block and it was very hard tonight but we keep pushing. It was good.
"We are very happy, we take the three points and we continue to win."