Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has delivered a significant fitness boost ahead of Saturday’s Premier League encounter with West Ham United. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Rosenior confirmed that star playmaker Cole Palmer is fully fit. Consequently, he is available for selection at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.
The news comes following Chelsea’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Napoli in the UEFA Champions League. Palmer began that match on the bench but proved decisive by providing two assists for Joao Pedro.
Palmer Ready for a Starting Role
Despite the high intensity of the midweek European fixture, Rosenior assured fans that Palmer suffered no setbacks.
“Cole is fine,” Rosenior stated at the club’s training ground. “He came through the other night with two assists and an outstanding performance. He is available to start tomorrow, and of course, we are really happy about that.”
The head coach praised Palmer’s elite mentality while noting the delicate balance required to maintain his health. Specifically, Rosenior mentioned that while Palmer wants to play every minute, the coaching staff must always make decisions in the best interest of the player’s long-term fitness.
Injury Updates: Progress for Lavia and Colwill
Beyond Palmer, Rosenior provided a broader look at the Chelsea treatment room. Several key players are nearing returns, though the medical staff remains cautious about their integration.
The current recovery status for the squad includes:
Romeo Lavia: He is in the advanced stages of rehabilitation and is entering the final, high-strength phase of his recovery.
Tosin Adarabioyo: Tosin returned to individual pitch work on Friday and is progressing well.
Dario Essugo: The youngster is recovering steadily but remains slightly behind the others in his recovery timeline.
Levi Colwill: In what Rosenior described as “further encouragement,” Colwill is back on the grass after a long-term knee injury. Although he is running again, the club will not rush his return to competitive action.
Building Momentum at the Bridge
Chelsea enter the weekend with a wave of momentum following their continental success in Italy. This “London Derby” against West Ham is viewed as a crucial fixture for Rosenior’s side. If they secure a win, the Blues will significantly strengthen their position as they look to climb the Premier League table.
Summary of Player Availability for Saturday:
- Cole Palmer: Fully available and likely to return to the starting XI.
- Tosin Adarabioyo: Still out, but currently performing individual rehab on the grass.
- Romeo Lavia: Out for the weekend as he nears the final stage of his recovery.
- Levi Colwill: Remains sidelined, but the long-term target is a return before the end of the season.
