Reece James illness explained as Liam Rosenior also provides updates on Cole Palmer, Andrey Santos, Tosin Adarabioyo and Romeo Lavia
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has delivered a comprehensive injury update ahead of Tuesday night’s Premier League meeting with Leeds United at Stamford Bridge, with Reece James, Cole Palmer and several midfield options in focus.
James is fit from an injury standpoint but is currently dealing with illness, leaving his availability to be assessed closer to kick-off. Rosenior was keen to stress that the issue is minor and unrelated to the right-back’s recent fitness history.
“Reece is fit. Small issue is, he is feeling unwell today. It’s no conspiracy, it’s the truth,” Rosenior said. “Hopefully he’s well enough to be involved.”
There was more certainty surrounding Palmer, who has been carefully managed amid Chelsea’s heavy fixture schedule. Rosenior confirmed the forward is available to feature against Leeds after recent rotation.
“He is available for tomorrow,” the Chelsea boss added.
🥶 Cole Palmer was in superb form against Wolves, netting a first-half hat-trick.
🤕 But the Chelsea playmaker admits he’s “still not there yet physically” as he continues to manage the first injury of his career.https://t.co/8lcpeHyFLi #CFC #FPL #GW26
— BBSportNews (@thebbsportnews) February 9, 2026
Further Chelsea injury updates and squad availability
Rosenior also provided positive news on Andrey Santos, who had been nursing a swollen ankle. The midfielder trained on Monday and is expected to be involved.
“Andrey trained today. He’s a soldier,” Rosenior said. “He had a swollen ankle, but he’s fine for tomorrow.”
Defensively, Tosin Adarabioyo is also pushing for selection after returning to training, offering Rosenior another option at the back.
“Tosin is looking good, he trained today,” he confirmed.
There was cautious optimism regarding Romeo Lavia, who has spent long spells sidelined. The Belgian has returned to the training pitch, but Chelsea remain determined not to rush his comeback.
“Romeo, we have a really detailed plan for him,” Rosenior explained. “He was back on the training pitch with us, it was great to see him, but we need to make sure when he’s back that he’s back for good.”
Rosenior also touched on Chelsea’s ongoing rotation policy, pointing to player welfare after a demanding schedule that has seen minimal rest periods.
“We’ve rotated a lot, which we need to do,” he said. “You want the best product possible, but we have to find the right balance.”
Chelsea host Leeds on Tuesday looking to build momentum, with Rosenior encouraged by the growing availability across his squad.