Chelsea injury latest as return dates revealed for trio ahead of cup semi-final | OneFootball

Chelsea Face Emirates Test as Rosenior Balances Comeback Hope and Injuries

Chelsea’s season has developed a familiar rhythm under Liam Rosenior, resilience, recovery and an ability to find solutions under pressure. That trait will be tested again on Tuesday night when the Blues head to the Emirates Stadium needing to overturn a 3-2 deficit against Arsenal to reach the Carabao Cup final.

The task is steep but not unfamiliar. Recent weeks have shown a Chelsea side learning how to respond when momentum slips away. Comebacks against Napoli in Europe and West Ham at Stamford Bridge have reinforced belief within the squad and provided Rosenior with evidence that adversity no longer paralyses his team.

Yet belief alone will not be enough. As Chelsea prepare for another high stakes London derby, Rosenior must also navigate a growing list of injury concerns, some easing, others arriving at an awkward moment.

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Momentum Built on Recent Recoveries

Alejandro Garnacho’s second half brace in the first leg kept the tie alive and ensured Chelsea travel across London with purpose rather than hope. Rosenior’s willingness to rotate has been central to maintaining energy levels across competitions, even if it occasionally carries risk.

Seven changes were made for the West Ham match following the Napoli win and while the performance ultimately delivered three points, it also brought fresh problems. The balance between freshness and familiarity remains delicate, especially with the calendar tightening.

Encouragingly for Chelsea, options are beginning to return. Cobham has been busier in recent days and Rosenior’s tone has shifted subtly from frustration to cautious optimism.

Jamie Gittens Concern Clouds Selection

The most immediate concern surrounds Jamie Gittens. The winger, signed from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, was handed a start against West Ham as part of Rosenior’s rotation. His evening ended early.

Gittens limped off before the half hour mark after receiving treatment on the pitch. He walked gingerly to the dugout and was replaced by Pedro Neto. At present, the extent of the injury remains unclear, with Chelsea expected to provide an update ahead of the Arsenal match.

Potential return date, unknown.

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Defensive and Midfield Updates Bring Mixed News

There is more clarity elsewhere. Tosin Adarabioyo has been absent since suffering a hamstring injury against Brentford last month. Initially ruled out until mid February, his rehabilitation appears to be progressing well.

“Tosin was back out on the pitch today doing his individual rehab,” Rosenior confirmed, hinting at an outside chance of involvement against Wolves.

Potential return date, February 7 v Wolves away.

Dario Essugo’s season continues to be disrupted by misfortune. Having slipped in training, the midfielder faces over a month on the sidelines. “Dario has picked up a really unfortunate injury,” Rosenior said. “We expect him to be out for over a month, which is a real shame because he’s an outstanding player.”

Potential return date, March.

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Romeo Lavia offers a more positive timeline. Out since November with a thigh injury, he has returned to training and is nearing the final stage of rehabilitation. “Romeo is in a really good place,” Rosenior said, underlining the importance of patience at this stage.

Potential return date, February 21 v Burnley at home.

Long Road Back for Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill remains the longest term concern. Recovering from a serious knee injury suffered in pre season, his progress has been steady rather than rushed. Rosenior has been careful not to impose deadlines.

“Yes he could be back before the end of the season but it’s step by step,” he said. “I don’t want to put pressure on him. He’s in a really good place and working incredibly hard.”

Potential return date, May.

As Chelsea head to the Emirates, Rosenior’s challenge is twofold. Find a way to turn another tie around, while ensuring the momentum built through adversity is not undermined by avoidable risk. The signs suggest a squad learning how to manage both.