Liam Rosenior has provided an update on Reece James ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Leeds United. The 26-year-old defender has missed each of the Blues‘ last two games across all competitions after picking up a knock.
Speaking to reporters at Cobham on Monday afternoon, the Chelsea boss confirmed that James has recovered from the injury. However, Rosenior added that the England international has recently fallen ill.
“Reece is fit,” said the 41-year-old. “He is feeling unwell today. It’s no conspiracy, it’s the truth. Hopefully, he’ll be well enough for tomorrow.”
Rosenior also provided an update on Andrey Santos, who appeared to suffer a knock during Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Wolves on Saturday evening. The Blues gaffer said: “Andrey trained today. He’s a soldier. He had a swollen ankle, but he’s fine for tomorrow.”
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Rosenior also revealed that Tosin Adarabioyo and Romeo Lavia have recently returned to action on the grass at Cobham. He said: “Tosin is looking good, he trained today.
“Romeo, we have a really detailed plan for him. He was back on the training pitch with us. It was great to see him, but we need to make sure when he’s back that he’s back for good.”
Chelsea have only had a couple of days to recharge their batteries following the trip to Molineux at the weekend. On the packed fixture schedule, Rosenior said: “It’s difficult. We’ve rotated a lot, which we need to do.
(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
“Bear in mind the players’ long-term schedule; they had no pre-season, and they’ve been magnificent. You have to be really well prepared tactically to give the players the right plans and solutions.”
On whether he’s concerned about player welfare, Rosenior said: “I think so, if I’m being honest. These lads are fantastic professionals – they live for their job, which is so important.
“You want the best product possible. We have to find a way where we can find the right balance between the two.”
Leeds enjoyed a 3-1 win over Chelsea at Elland Road back in December, and Rosenior expects another ‘very difficult’ game. The Blues boss said: “It’s very difficult for me because when I first watched that game, it was as a neutral.
“I didn’t realise I’d be manager of Chelsea. Daniel [Farke] is an outstanding coach. [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin is in really good form. It’s going to be a very difficult game again.”
The newly-promoted outfit’s direct approach, Rosenior said: “You saw it against Nottingham Forest, they were magnificent in that game. When I say direct, I mean it in a really positive way. We need to stand up to that and overcome that.”