James, Lavia, Cucurella, Estevao: Latest Chelsea fitness news for Aston Villa as Palmer availability confirmed | OneFootball

The Chelsea team news for their Premier League trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday night has been confirmed.

Head coach Liam Rosenior is looking to claim a first league win in four matches after draws to Leeds United and Burnley, and, most recently, a defeat to Arsenal.

It sees Chelsea needing victories in the final months of the season as the race for Champions League football heats up.

They face an Aston Villa side who are six points ahead of them in the table and looking to increase the gap to the Blues as they eye a cushion in the table.

Rosenior has several selection decisions to make on Wednesday night at Villa Park, with Pedro Neto unavailable due to suspension. Meanwhile, Wesley Fofana returns to availability after serving his one-match ban against Arsenal.

Chelsea have breathed a huge sigh of relief after Cole Palmer picked up a minor knock against Arsenal. Rosenior confirmed the England international is 'absolutely fine' and ready to start against Aston Villa.

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"He took a knock," said Rosenior. "He was absolutely fine."

Marc Cucurella has stepped up his return from a hamstring injury. He has been involved in training at Cobham this week, with his availability against Aston Villa unclear.

Rosenior revealed the defender could make the squad, but a return against Wrexham in the FA Cup seemingly more likely.

The Chelsea head coach told reporters on Monday: "(He is) Getting closer. Cucu is looking really good. Hopefully, we can get him back involved, if not for Wednesday, for Saturday, for sure, which is great for the schedule we've got coming up."

Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian remain sidelined, but the attacking duo are progressing well and Rosenior will be keen to have them back and available for selection.

Romeo Lavia, who has struggled with injuries ever since his Chelsea arrival, featured against Arsenal to step up his recovery back to 100 per cent.

His performance against Arsenal was heavily praised by Rosenior, who confirmed the Belgium international is nearing being ready to start for the Blues.

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Rosenior said: "It's been brilliant to have Romeo Lavia get his first minutes in a long time. I felt he looked really strong. So, yeah, the quicker we get all of our players healthy, the better.

"Close (to being able to start). I want to manage him in a different way in terms of his rehab and hopefully, once he's back fit, which he is now, he stays fit."

Club captain Reece James is expected to start against Aston Villa, with Chelsea needing a response to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.