Five things spotted in Chelsea training as Liam Rosenior gets Reece James and Estevao update

Liam Rosenior has been putting his players through their paces in Chelsea training at Cobham this week

Liam Rosenior could be without a couple of big names when Chelsea face Arsenal. The Blues will look to return to winning ways when they lock horns with Mikel Arteta's side at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening.

Chelsea head into the London derby off the back of a disappointing draw to Burnley. The newly-promoted outfit came from behind at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon to clinch a crucial point in the relegation battle, with Zian Flemming equalising in stoppage time.

Although the Blues are currently fifth in the Premier League, which – subject to the UEFA coefficient table at the end of the season – could be enough to secure qualification to the Champions League, they're hanging on by a thread. Level on points with Liverpool in sixth, only a 10-goal difference separates the two clubs.

This weekend, the reigning champions face West Ham at Anfield – a fixture they've not lost in nine games across all competitions, winning eight and drawing the other. With so much at stake, Rosenior has been putting his players through their paces.

So, with that being said, football.london has looked at five things you may have missed in Chelsea training this week.

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Forgotten Chelsea star back in action

Dario Essugo, whom Chelsea signed from Sporting CP for £18million in the summer, returned to training at Cobham. Earlier this month, the 20-year-old midfielder encountered another setback on his road to recovery following surgery on a thigh injury back in September 2025.

Essugo hasn't featured for the Blues since making his debut at the Club World Cup and, with Moises Caicedo walking the suspension tightrope, he could become a key member of the squad during the end-of-season run-in.

James soldiers through Burnley knock

Reece James appears to have shaken off the knock he suffered towards the end of Chelsea's clash against Burnley. The 26-year-old defender, who left the field rather gingerly when he was replaced by Josh Acheampong in stoppage time, was at the heart of the action at Cobham.

Lavia continues to build match fitness

Romeo Lavia has stepped up efforts to become match fit again after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The 22-year-old midfielder enjoyed a 45 minute cameo for the Chelsea Under-21s last week.

Despite not having featured for the Blues since the start of November, he showed flashes of promise. Lavia helped Chelsea take a 1-0 lead into the break against Leeds United, which was squandered once he came off.

Cucurella continues to nurse injury

Marc Cucurella was absent from the latest batch of training photos. The 27-year-old defender has been nursing a hamstring injury, and it remains to be seen exactly when he'll return to action.

Estevao also nowhere to be seen

Estevao was also absent from the latest batch of training photos. Rosenior raised eyebrows when he omitted the 18-year-old winger from the matchday squad at the weekend, but the Chelsea boss later confirmed that he had sustained a hamstring problem.

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