Overview
- Chelsea will decide on the matchday availability of Cole Palmer, Reece James and Malo Gusto on Wednesday morning, with the trio described as being managed rather than injured.
- Moises Caicedo is suspended for the first leg, while Marc Cucurella returns from a ban; Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill remain sidelined.
- Liam Rosenior said the squad trained well and reiterated he has the resources to win now, even as he acknowledged he must deliver results to earn a long tenure.
- The manager detailed extensive preparation for Arsenal, highlighting their strength in open play and set pieces and noting Chelsea caused problems in November’s draw.
- Rosenior’s reign opened with a 5-1 FA Cup win at Charlton after heavy rotation, with fringe players impressing and an emphasis on intensity and discipline.