Chelsea can move above Manchester United into the Champions League places with a win over West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening
Cole Palmer is in contention for Chelsea after facing injury issues.(Image: Getty Images)
Chelsea will be missing five players for West Ham United’s visit as Liam Rosenior’s team aim to strengthen their Champions League qualification prospects, but Cole Palmer is in line to feature. The Blues can move above Manchester United into the top four with victory over the Hammers (5.30pm kick-off) before United face Fulham on Sunday.
Michael Carrick’s squad knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League spots with their 3-2 triumph against Arsenal, whilst Chelsea secured a 3-1 victory at London neighbours Crystal Palace last weekend.
Chelsea are enjoying excellent form under Rosenior, suffering just one defeat since the former Hull City and Strasbourg manager succeeded Enzo Maresca – claiming five victories. Their latest success was arguably their most crucial, as they defeated Napoli in the Champions League to secure automatic progression to the Round of 16.
There’s positive news regarding team selection, as Cole Palmer is available for a starting berth. The Chelsea star has faced mounting transfer speculation linking him with a departure from Stamford Bridge whilst also battling his own fitness problems.
Nevertheless, Rosenior confirmed the England international emerged from the European victory unharmed. He said: “Cole is fine. He came through the other night with two assists and an outstanding performance [vs Napoli]. He is available to start tomorrow [against West Ham] and of course, we are really happy about that.”
READ MORE: Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior makes smart transfer comment after Enzo Maresca issuesREAD MORE: Gareth Southgate set for new role as he vows to expose secrets with ex-Liverpool chief
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
Levi Colwill, however, will stay on the sidelines as he continues his rehabilitation from a cruciate ligament injury. The 22-year-old hasn’t played all season, with his final Blues outing coming during the Club World Cup final victory against Paris Saint-Germain.
Rosenior is optimistic about seeing him return before the campaign ends but acknowledges there’s no rush for the England defender. He explained: “Yes he could [be back before the end of the season], but it’s step by step and I don’t want to make promises that I can’t keep. At the moment, Levi’s in a really good place. He’s on the right track, but I don’t want to put pressure on him.
“I spoke to Levi this morning. He’s working so hard, and what a professional he is. It’s been brilliant to see him back on the pitch running. He’s itching to get back, but we need to make sure he feels 100 per cent perfect.
Cole Palmer is set to feature in the squad to face West Ham.(Image: PA)
“He’s another outstanding player I can’t wait to work with, and he’s in a really good place. I don’t like putting timeframes on injuries because it puts unnecessary pressure on players when their health is the most important thing.”
Romeo Lavia, Tosin Adarabioyo, Dario Luis Essugo and Mykhailo Mudryk are the remaining unavailable players. The Chelsea manager said: “Romeo is in a really good place, and we just have to make sure this last stage of his rehab is really, really good.
“Tosin was back out on the pitch today doing his individual rehab.”
There are no significant injury worries for the Hammers, with only Lukasz Fabianski sidelined. New arrival Adama Traore could be set for his debut squad inclusion following his switch from Wolves. “There are always things to assess,” Nuno Espirito Santo said. “That’s normal, and we’ll see how we are on Saturday.
“We haven’t decided [if Adama Traoré will play] yet. We still have tomorrow to decide the squad and the team. Adama is physically OK, and he can become an option.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us, and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£49
£35
Sky
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
