Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior provides updates on Palmer, James, and Jorgensen after the win over Pafos.

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior offered a mixed fitness update on Palmer, James, and Jorgensen following the Blues’ narrow 1-0 Champions League victory over Pafos.

Palmer was notably absent from the matchday squad on Wednesday night, as Caicedo’s late strike sealed the win in the 77th minute. Rosenior later clarified that the decision was purely precautionary.

“Cole felt something really minor in the game against Brentford, actually quite early on,” Rosenior explained. “Credit to him for playing through it, but I don’t want to risk players at this stage, especially someone of his quality. He’s got a really good chance to be involved and start on Sunday.”

The Chelsea boss also addressed the situation surrounding club captain Reece James, who was withdrawn at half-time. Rosenior stressed that the defender’s minutes are being carefully managed.

“With Reece, it’s about control,” he said. “We’re limiting his minutes so he can be available when we need him, especially with games coming thick and fast midweek and at the weekend.”

There was less encouraging news regarding goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who was also substituted at the break after picking up an injury.

“Unfortunately, he’s picked something up,” Rosenior admitted. “It’s devastating for him because he’s really impressed me — not just in the Charlton game, but every day in training.”

The coach did, however, praise replacement goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who stepped in and made a crucial intervention late on. “Rob came on and made a fantastic punch from one of the few balls they put into our box,” Rosenior noted.

Chelsea now turn their attention to Sunday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace, before travelling to Italy to face Napoli in their final Champions League league-phase fixture, with Palmer and James expected to be central to Rosenior’s plans.