Liam Rosenior issues Reece James and Pedro Neto updates as Chelsea dealt new double injury scare | OneFootball

Blues were dealt a double blow on the morning of Carabao Cup decider

Liam Rosenior has provided an injury update on Reece James and Pedro Neto after they missed the Carabao Cup decider against Arsenal.

Neto and James both failed late fitness checks on Tuesday morning and neither was involved as Chelsea fell to a 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

Before the second leg, Rosenior revealed Neto and James had not been passed fit but said he was optimistic they could be involved against Wolves on Saturday, which is Chelsea’s next game.

The Chelsea head coach also revealed he usually names the starting line-up the day before the game but waited until Tuesday to pick his team against Arsenal to see if either could be available.

“Pedro and Reece had small knocks,” Rosenior said after the Arsenal match. “They were just in too much pain for tonight.

“They're giving everything. They would always put their hand up to play. Reece is an incredible captain and leader. I know Pedro is an outstanding professional and a great player.

"We've had a lot to contend with the last couple of days, a couple of fitness tests this morning. Normally I name the team the day before. I named the team this afternoon when I had the full details of who was available."

Absent: Pedro Neto and Reece James

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Rosenior continued: "I have to give the players so much credit. Our schedule has been incredible. So for them, to put in the energy, the fight, the spirit was there.

“Estevao, I have to say, for him, 18 years old, to go through something very personal for him, to fly to Brazil and fly back in two days to make sure he could play in this game, says everything about the character and spirit I want for this team.”

Estevao had missed the 3-2 win over West Ham on Saturday after being granted compassionate leave to see to a personal matter back home in Brazil.

Cole Palmer started on the bench against Arsenal and only came on in the 60th minute along with Estevao.

“In terms of Cole [Palmer], Cole gave us an incredible 90-minute performance, the reason we fought back against West Ham,” Rosenior said. “We have to take care of him. He's a gem.

“We have to take care of him and make sure he's right for the whole season. But when he came on, his moments were top.

“So, all in all, [I am] disappointed not to go through against what will be a very, very good team, but we can't let this setback affect our future.”