Chelsea New Coach Liam Rosenior Weighs Fitness Calls Ahead Of Arsenal Test

Chelsea welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge this week in the League Cup, with Liam Rosenior set to take charge of his first home fixture since his appointment.

Liam Rosenior head into the tie in a confident mood after seeing off Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup, a result that came without any fresh injury setbacks.

However, the hosts will be without Moises Caicedo, who serves a one-match suspension.

There are also lingering doubts over the availability of Malo Gusto, Reece James and Cole Palmer, all of whom were rested for the trip to Charlton as a precaution.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Monday, Rosenior explained that he is taking a cautious approach with his players.

In comments published on Chelsea’s official website, the head coach said, “I’ll make a decision on Cole, Reece, and Malo tomorrow; I’m giving them some extra time.

“I appreciate that doing the press conference two days before is not ideal, but I’ve got time to make a decision as to whether they are available.”

Rosenior stressed that player welfare remains paramount as he looks to make a strong impression in his first outing in front of the home crowd.

“They’re being managed and it was a good time for them to rest in the FA Cup game. There is no reason to take risks on players’ health if you believe that we can win the game,” he added.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has issued a public apology to Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior following an incident during last week’s Spanish Super Cup semi-final.

According to BBC Sport, Simeone made remarks from the touchline directed at the Brazilian forward, suggesting that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez might be weighing up the possibility of selling him.

The Atletico coach was also seen exchanging words with Vinicius after the winger was withdrawn late on in the 2-1 defeat.

Addressing the situation, Simeone said, “I would like to apologise to Mr Florentino and Mr Vinicius for the incident they witnessed. It was wrong of me to put myself in that position, and I accept that it was wrong. The team that wins deserves to go through; they deserved to go through.”

When pressed on whether his actions crossed the line, the Argentine added, “I apologise, but I do not ask for forgiveness. I have nothing more to add.”

Vinicius, whose current deal with Real Madrid runs until the summer of 2027, was influential as his side progressed to the final. Los Blancos were later edged 3-2 by Barcelona in the final match held in Saudi Arabia.