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Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior confirmed that Cole Palmer, Reece James and Malo Gusto were rested as a precautionary measure during the 5-1 victory over Charlton, with all three players expected to be available for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea Trio Palmer, James and Gusto Set for Arsenal Return After Precautionary Rest
Palmer did not feature at The Valley after recently returning from a groin injury that disrupted his early season form. The midfielder has shown signs of returning to full fitness with his goal in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth and substantial playing time against Manchester City and Fulham, but was given additional recovery time following minor issues from the Fulham match.
Rosenior explained his decision after the Charlton victory, stating that the trio had “minor tweaks or knocks from the Fulham game” but emphasised the precautionary nature of their absence. “I don’t want to take any risks at this stage of the season,” the new head coach said. “I feel like I’ve got such a good squad here, I don’t need to risk their health at the moment.”
Captain Reece James was managing the consequences of a knock sustained at Craven Cottage, having been rested initially against Fulham before being kept out entirely at Charlton. His recent run of games has offered rare continuity for Chelsea, with his potential return pointing to the Arsenal fixture as James remains central to the team’s balance when fit.
Malo Gusto followed similar logic for his absence, having started eight of Chelsea’s previous nine matches and filled roles on both flanks before being given time to recover. The French defender is also expected back for the Arsenal clash, with Rosenior confirming he would check medical reports to assess all three players’ availability.
Beyond the trio expected to return, Chelsea continue to manage longer-term injury concerns with Romeo Lavia’s season punctuated by muscle problems since his early exit against Qarabag in November, while Levi Colwill remains sidelined with an ACL injury and focuses on rehabilitation rather than return dates.
