Liam Rosenior has revealed why Tosin Adarabioyo and Filip Jorgensen could feature in Friday night’s FA Cup clash, explaining why this is an important week for the entire Chelsea squad.
The Blues have been preparing to continue their FA Cup campaign with a trip to Hull City in the fourth round, kicking off at MKM Stadium tomorrow at 7.45pm.
Defender Toshin was on the scoresheet in the 5-1 win over another Championship opponent Charlton Athletic in the final round, but has been sidelined in recent weeks with a hamstring injury. Ahead of the visit to Hull, Rosenior admitted he was close to returning to action for the Blues.
“Toshin had his first full training session on Wednesday, so it may be a little too early for this game, but we will make a decision in consultation with the medical team,” the head coach said.
Jorgensen is another player left off the team sheet, while 22-year-old goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe, who returned from loan to Bolton Wanderers in January, also supported Robert Sanchez from the bench in the Denmark international’s absence.
“Philippe is not completely fit at the moment,” Rosenior added. “He is working hard on his rehabilitation.
“Teddy has had a very important loan spell at this stage of his career and he has shown really good in training, so if we have to visit him, there is no need to worry.”
The more players he has at his disposal at the moment, the better for Rosenior as Chelsea continue to pursue success on three fronts: the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup.
“At this club you have to win every match, you have to play in every competition. There’s no need to have a conversation about it, that’s clear,” he insisted.
“So we have no idea which competition is more important than another. We just want to win every game we play.
“That’s why you have the squad. You need a good team to compete in the competition we’re in and I’m sure we’ll pick a team that’s strong enough to win the game. The bench is just as important, but that’s what’s important.”
Following this FA Cup draw, Rosenior will have free time midweek to train with his players for the first time since taking over, giving him the chance to refresh and reflect before returning to Premier League action.
“It’s huge, it’s important for the rest, recovery and recovery of the players and also what happens tactically on the training pitch in the build-up to the Burnley game.
“This is a really big thing for us and it’s the first time, not just for the players but for myself and the staff, to sit back and look at where we are a little bit.”