Liam Rosenior has confirmed Reece James has returned from injury – but stays a doubt for Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Leeds because of illness.
James has been absent from Chelsea’s last two matches against Arsenal and Wolves having picked up a ‘small knock’ following the side’s 3-2 victory over West Ham.
The 26-year-old had been hoping to feature versus Wolves on the weekend but failed a late fitness test, with Malo Gusto given the nod at right-back within the 3-1 win at Molineux.
It’s been a frustrating begin to the brand new 12 months for the Blues captain, who also missed two cup matches last month – against Arsenal and Charlton – after sustaining a hip injury.
Asked for an update on James’ fitness this afternoon, the Chelsea boss told reporters: ‘Reece is fit.
‘He’s feeling unwell today. It’s no conspiracy, it’s the reality.
‘Hopefully he will probably be well enough for tomorrow.’
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There was some concern surrounding the fitness of Andrey Santos and Tosin Adarabioyo, but it surely appears each are in line to play a component at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
‘Andrey trained today. He’s a soldier. He had a swollen ankle, but he’s fantastic for tomorrow,’ Rosenior added.
‘Tosin is looking good, he trained today.’
Chelsea are taking a cautious approach in the case of Romeo Lavia’s fitness, with the Belgian recently pictured in training having been out since November with a thigh injury.
‘We’ve got a very detailed plan for him,’ Rosenior said of Lavia’s rehabilitation.
‘He was back on the training pitch with us, it was great to see him, but we want to be sure that when he’s back that he’s back for good.’
Speaking after Chelsea’s win at Wolves, hat-trick hero Cole Palmer revealed that he was not ‘100 per cent fit’ and could be managing his workload over the approaching days and weeks.
Asked if Palmer is able to play against Leeds, Rosenior replied: ‘He is on the market for tomorrow.’
The Chelsea head coach made no secret of the very fact he could also be forced to cut and alter an increasing number of because the grueling season wears on.
‘It’s difficult. We’ve rotated so much, which we want to do,’ he explained.
‘Keep in mind the players’ long-term schedule, they’d no pre-season and so they have been magnificent.
‘You might have to be very well prepared tactically to offer the players the best plans and solutions.’
Asked if he was concerned for his players’ welfare, Rosenior responded: ‘I believe so, if I’m being honest.
‘These lads are unbelievable professionals – they live for his or her job which is so vital.
‘You would like the most effective product possible. We’ve got to search out a way where we will find the best balance between the 2.’
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