‘He’s a soldier’ – Chelsea boss lauds Andrey Santos ahead of Leeds clash | OneFootball

Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos picked up a knock in their last game but will be ready for when the Blues welcome Leeds United to Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

The Chelsea ace put in another quietly excellent performance in the centre of the park as the West London giants claimed three important points over the weekend.

However, Chelsea fans had their hearts in their mouth when Santos started nursing his leg.

The FIFA Club World Cup champions are without Dario Essugo, and Romeo Lavia is still recovering from yet another injury setback.

Thankfully, Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior confirmed that the Brazilian is fit and ready to play.

He said (via the CFC website), “Santos trained today, he’s a soldier, and he’s absolutely fine. He had a swollen ankle. It wasn’t a great tackle on him, but he’s fine for tomorrow.”

Santos has established himself as a key player for the Blues since the arrival of Rosenior, who had him at Strasbourg.

One of Enzo Maresca’s biggest criticisms was not using the 21-year-old. His ability to break up play and work tirelessly in the engine room is impeccable.

Now, he has formed a more balanced midfield pivot with Moises Caicedo, allowing Enzo Fernandez to push forward into the number 10 role.

He will be key to Chelsea’s plans of snapping up another three points when they lock horns with Leeds tomorrow.

Elsewhere, Rosenior confirmed that Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Cole Palmer are fit enough.

“Reece is fit, he’s okay,” Rosenior confirmed.

“A small issue is that he is feeling unwell today. It’s no conspiracy, it’s the truth. Hopefully, he’s well enough to be involved (against Leeds).

“Cole Palmer is available for tomorrow,” he added. “Tosin is looking good,” he continued.

“He trained today, and it’s great to have him in and around the group.

“Romeo, we have a really detailed plan for him, and he has been on the training pitch with us in the last two days, which has been great to see.”