Chelsea boss Rosenior on Palmer absence, James substitution and narrow win over Pafos

Liam Rosenior says Cole Palmer’s absence from Chelsea’s win over Pafos was “precautionary”.

The Blues forward was left out of the squad completely, as Chelsea overcame the Cypriot side thanks to a late header from Moises Caicedo.

“It was precautionary,” Rosenior said on Palmer’s absence.

“He felt something really, really minor in the game against Brentford, actually quite early in the game so credit to him to keep going through it.

“But I don’t want to risk any players at this stage. Especially players of Cole’s quality.

“He’s got a really good chance to be involved and start the game on Sunday and we’ll keep preparing him for that.”

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Meanwhile, captain Reece James was taken off at half-time but Rosenior says it is a case of managing his minutes ahead of a run of busy games.

“Minutes, and making sure we’re prepared for playing Wednesday and Saturday, Wednesday and Saturday,” Rosenior said.

“I want to make sure Reece is available as much as possible because he’s an outstanding player and he’s a leader in our group.”

But in an injury blow for the Blues, Rosenior revealed goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen could be set for a spell out.

Yeah, unfortunately he picked something up,” he said.

“Devastating for him because he’s really impressed me in his time. Not just the game at Charlton, but how he’s trained.

“Rob Sanchez came on, made a fantastic punch with one of the few balls they put into our box. And hopefully Filip can get better really, really quick.”

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Reflecting on the win, Rosenior said: “You have to keep banging on the door. You obviously want to get the breakthrough earlier to open up the game.

“There’s things I’m pleased with but things we need to improve on, but overall, the body language of the group, they kept going.

“I was delighted for Moi to get the goal and to get the result we deserve.”