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Posted on March 13, 2026 11:30 pm | Updated on March 13, 2026 11:45 pm
After a difficult night in the UEFA Champions League against PSG, Chelsea FC are now preparing for their next challenge in the Premier League. The London club will face Newcastle United in an important league match this weekend.
Head coach Liam Rosenior recently spoke to the media before the game and shared updates about the fitness of two attacking players, Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian. Both players missed the Champions League match earlier in the week, which raised questions among supporters about when they might return to the squad.
The manager confirmed that the situation is improving for one player but remains uncertain for the other. With several important matches coming up, Chelsea must carefully manage the fitness of their squad.
Positive News for Jamie Gittens
One of the most encouraging updates from Rosenior concerned winger Jamie Gittens. The young attacker has recently been dealing with a fitness problem, which kept him out of Chelsea’s recent matches.
However, Rosenior confirmed that Gittens is now back involved with the squad again. According to the manager, the player has returned to training and could potentially play a role in the upcoming match against Newcastle.
This news will come as a relief for Chelsea supporters. Gittens is known for his speed, direct running, and ability to stretch opposing defenses. Those qualities are especially valuable in matches where Chelsea need to create attacking opportunities from wide positions.
With the team competing in several competitions at the same time, having more options in attack can make a big difference. Rosenior may still manage Gittens’ minutes carefully, but simply having him available again gives Chelsea more flexibility when selecting the starting lineup.
Caution Over Estevao’s Injury
While the news about Gittens was positive, the update regarding Estevao Willian was more cautious. The Brazilian winger is still recovering from a hamstring injury and is not yet ready to return to action.
Rosenior explained that the club does not want to rush his recovery. Hamstring injuries can easily return if a player comes back too quickly, and the coaching staff wants to avoid that risk.
Because of this, Estevao will not be involved in the Newcastle match. Instead, the club will continue monitoring his recovery during training.
Chelsea’s medical team and coaching staff appear determined to protect the young player’s long term fitness rather than pushing him back onto the pitch too quickly.
Managing a Busy Schedule
Chelsea are currently facing a demanding period in their season. The team is competing in domestic competitions as well as the Champions League, which means they are playing several important matches within a short time.
Rosenior acknowledged that managing player fitness during this period is extremely important. The manager must balance the need to win matches with the responsibility of protecting players from injury.
Players like Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez have sometimes been used in wider attacking roles recently. Their versatility has helped the team cope while some natural wingers have been unavailable.
Eyes on the Next Match
Despite the upcoming Champions League second leg, Rosenior insisted that his focus remains firmly on the Newcastle game. According to the coach, the most important match is always the next one.
Newcastle are known to be a strong and competitive side, and Chelsea cannot afford to underestimate them. A good result in the Premier League would help restore confidence after the disappointing result in Paris earlier in the week.
For now, the latest fitness updates offer both hope and caution. Gittens appears close to returning to action, while Estevao still needs more time to recover fully.
Chelsea supporters will be hoping the squad can stay healthy as the team enters one of the most crucial stages of the season.
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Aarya Sikder
Aarya Sikder is a Football Writer at Six Sports, contributing articles on football match developments, player performances, and news from across the football world. His work focuses on delivering engaging and informative coverage that keeps readers updated on key events and emerging storylines in the sport. Through his contributions to Six Sports, Aarya provides match reports, tactical insights, and feature articles that highlight trends and narratives shaping football today. His writing combines clarity with accessible analysis, making it engaging for both casual fans and dedicated followers of the sport.
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