The schedule does not get any less relentless for Chelsea as Liam Rosenior prepares his side to do battle with Wolves on Saturday afternoon, and the gaffer has provided an injury update.
Rosenior has had to defend himself over the last couple of days after his game plan to nullify Arsenal and then attack late on did not work on Tuesday night. Arsenal held firm, and scored a very late goal.
With the Carabao Cup done and dusted for another season, Rosenior’s focus switches back to the Premier League. Rosenior has been nominated for the January Manager of the Month award after three wins.
What changes would you make to our side to face Wolves?
He will be expected to make it four wins from four on Saturday when Chelsea go to rock bottom Wolves, though a Wolves side that now present themselves as a bit of banana skin, improving under Rob Edwards.
Liam Rosenior delivers injury update on five Chelsea players
Chelsea’s injury issues are growing. Jamie Gittens suffered a hamstring injury against West Ham, adding to the long list of absentees alongside Romeo Lavia, Tosin, Dario Essugo, Levi Colwill, and plenty more.
Even those who are playing are not 100%. Joao Pedro said he’s been playing with an injury this week, while Cole Palmer and Reece James are struggling to start every game. James was missed on Tuesday.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea (R) celebrates scoring his team's goal with teammate Reece James (L)
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Asked about the status of the squad on Thursday afternoon, Rosenior provided updates on five Chelsea players. He confirmed Gittens has torn his hamstring, while also commenting on Estevao’s availability.
“Don’t know yet,” Rosenior said, when asked if Pedro Neto and James will be fit to face Wolves this weekend. “They have training today. It’s a recovery day for the lads who played. We’ll check tomorrow.
“Jamie is more long-term. He’s got a tear in his hamstring which is a real shame for him,” Rosenior added. Asked if Palmer and Estevao are available to play a full 90 minutes on Saturday, Rosenior said: “yes”.
What changes could Liam Rosenior make against Wolves?
Ahead of the clash against Arsenal, Rosenior only made four changes to his side – the least amount he has made between games since arriving. But more changes are expected for the trip to Molineux.
Is Liam Delap not good enough for Chelsea or are we not playing to his strengths?🤔
Liam Delap's display vs Arsenal
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Rosenior could well revert to a back four, and that means Jorrel Hato is likely to come out of the side. James’ availability could mean Malo Gusto or Andrey Santos drop out, while Palmer surely starts.
Joao Pedro is likely to continue up front but Liam Delap struggled against Arsenal, and the chances are that Rosenior uses the likes of Neto and Estevao out wide, if indeed Neto – like James – is available.
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