Liam Rognior has revealed Cole Palmer and Reece James are fit enough to feature against Brentford this weekend.
Palmer missed Chelsea’s FA Cup win over Charlton as a precaution and was not fit enough to feature against Arsenal.
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James also missed Charlton after taking a knock. Ronniol has given an update on the fitness of the pair after Chelsea lost 3-2 to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
“This game comes too soon for him,” he said. “Hopefully he’ll be able to train on Friday and be ready for our game on Saturday.
“He’s got a minor strain in his thigh. If you play a guy with a minor strain too early in January, it could stretch to six weeks. I can’t afford to lose Cole Palmer for six weeks because he’s so good.”
“Reece James has a bad hip injury and was too sore for him today so hopefully he’ll be back on Saturday. Jamie Gittens was sick last night and Liam Delap was due to play today but got sick four hours before the game. We can’t play him.”
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Roberto Sanchez was guilty of two goals in this game, the first coming when he dealt with Declan Rice’s corner kick and did not get close to the ball, allowing Ben White to head home. The second time it happened, he looked to block Ben White’s cross but missed, and Victor Jacques’s simple shot doubled Arsenal’s lead at the time.
Despite the goalkeeper’s mistakes, new Chelsea boss Ronnie Orr believes the first mistake was made by himself, not the Spanish goalkeeper.
“I think the first goal was disappointing,” the Englishman explained. “It’s a team goal, not just Rob’s goal.
“I asked Rob to do something he hadn’t done before. I said to him before the game, and I made it very clear, when my players make mistakes, I’m responsible. That’s my responsibility.”
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“He made an absolutely world-class save in the second half that would have saved us. His understanding will improve. He’s had a really good season.
“Having great, great moments with him. I’m going to stay positive with him, just like I am with the whole team. My job is to help them, not blame them.”