In a massive lift for Chelsea ahead of their UEFA Champions League showdown with Pafos, boss Liam Rosenior has received a timely triple injury boost with Estevao Willian, Malo Gusto, and Jamie Gittens all returning to training at Cobham.
The star trio sat out the Blues’ hard-fought Premier League victory over Brentford at the weekend but were back in action during the team’s preparations in Surrey, signaling their potential availability for the midweek European clash.
Joining them on the pitch was Cole Palmer, who appeared visibly frustrated during Saturday’s win at Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old England international was the hero of the hour, netting a crucial goal in the final 15 minutes to double Chelsea’s lead and seal Rosenior’s maiden Premier League triumph as manager.
Palmer coolly slotted home from 12 yards, beating Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher—though his subdued celebration drew attention, with teammates Liam Delap and Reece James trying in vain to lift his spirits.
Post-match, the exhausted midfielder collapsed to the turf before being assisted by Andrey Santos. However, Rosenior was quick to dismiss any talk of frustration in his press conference, instead heaping praise on Palmer’s commitment.
“No, Cole—if you watch the last 15 minutes and see the energy he poured into pressing and running for the team, I thought he was outstanding,” Rosenior explained. “It’s tough for any player or team to be flawless with the ball every time, but finding ways to win is key.
“The other thing about Cole and Reece [James]—they haven’t had proper training sessions because of knocks from the Arsenal game. They couldn’t feature then, but they stepped up anyway and ran themselves ragged. I’m incredibly proud of their attitude, and with more games and training under their belts, they’ll only get sharper.”
Rosenior emphasized his approach to player management: “For every player, whatever keeps them fit, healthy, and available in the months ahead—I’ll keep making those calls.”
While Palmer will be eager to shine in Rosenior’s Champions League bow, wholesale rotations are anticipated against the Cypriot side Pafos. The real test looms next week against Napoli in the decisive ‘league phase’ finale.
Currently sitting 13th in the standings, Chelsea are just two points behind Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Liverpool—who occupy 6th through 9th. A top-eight finish guarantees direct entry to the last 16.
Places 9th to 16th secure a seeded spot in the knockout play-offs, while 17th to 24th mean an unseeded berth. These play-offs are standard two-legged affairs set for February, paving the way to the round of 16.
This injury turnaround could be the spark Rosenior needs to propel the Club World Cup holders up the table and into the knockout stages.