Focus has already switched from Chelsea’s frustrating defeat to Arsenal with Liam Rosenior’s side in action against Aston Villa on Wednesday night, and Rosenior has an update.
Rosenior watched his side concede two more goals from set-pieces and go three Premier League games without a win. It has left Chelsea’s hopes of Champions League qualification hanging by a thread.
After Rosenior had reignited top-five hopes, two points from a possible nine has come at the worst time. Now, they go to Aston Villa and need a win if they are going to get themselves back into the mix.
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Gary Neville actually thinks it is Aston Villa that will drop into sixth, and Chelsea will finish fifth. If Chelsea are to heed Neville’s prediction, a win is needed on Wednesday and Rosenior delivered an update.
Liam Rosenior provides an injury update ahead of Aston Villa
Going into the game against Arsenal, both Estevao and Jamie Gittens were still missing, while Marc Cucurella was ruled out for Sunday’s clash. The Spaniard has a hamstring issue picked up against Leeds.
Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League
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In his press conference, Rosenior answered questions about the fitness of Cole Palmer, who went down against Arsenal, confirming it was a knock. Lavia, Cucurella and Estevao were also discussed.
“It wasn’t, he [Palmer] took a knock he was absolutely fine. He looks really good, I think you can see that in the way we have managed him, he played 83 minutes. He’s absolutely fine to start on Wednesday.
“Cucu is looking good, hopefully we can get him back involved on Wednesday if not for the weekend. Estevao is back on the grass. Romeo Lavia is close, I want to manage him in a different way in his rehab.”
The comeback begins now with Aston Villa clash crucial
Aston Villa next, then. Having got past Arsenal, which was always a tough fixture, Chelsea now face a run of games that albeit difficult, are certainly winnable. Aston Villa away will be tough, but it can be won.
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Especially, with the pressure now on Villa after their defeat at Wolves. While they have home advantage, Chelsea are more than capable of a win. Then, it’s Wrexham and PSG, before hosting Newcastle United.
Rosenior needs this side to get back to winning ways and a win against Aston Villa will do wonders. For the Blues gaffer, he desperately needs to have his best players available including James and Palmer.
There is every chance that Chelsea can pick up nine points from the next three Premier League games against Villa, Newcastle at home and Everton away. If they do, the top-five race is back with a bang.
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