Chelsea is working to ensure more players are not struck by an illness that has sidelined Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens, as well as some staff, ahead of the club’s Premier League meeting with Brentford, head coach Liam Rosenior said on Thursday.
Striker Delap and winger Gittens missed Chelsea’s 3-2 League Cup defeat in the first leg of their semi-final against Arsenal on Wednesday, with Rosenior saying after the defeat that the pair had «really high temperatures».
«Liam (Delap) is currently still at home, as is Jamie Gittens. The club doctors are doing everything they can to contain what appears to be a virus, because some members of our staff have also died,» Rosenior told reporters.
«We had a meeting with the players today about washing their hands, the basics, which is very important and hopefully we can keep it under control. We have a busy period so we need everyone to be ready to go and be fit and healthy.»
Chelsea, who have recorded one win in nine Premier League games, will be desperate to get their campaign back on track when they host fifth-placed Brentford on Saturday.
The team could receive a major boost with the return of key players Reece James and Cole Palmer, who missed the FA Cup win at Charlton Athletic and the game against Arsenal after suffering setbacks last week.
“They’re both training today,” Rosenior said.
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“We just have to assess them after training and make sure they go through all the protocols they need, but it would be great to have them back in the squad and at the moment it looks like they could be.”
The Englishman was also asked whether his first choice as goalkeeper had changed after Robert Sanchez made two costly mistakes against Arsenal.
Sánchez failed to deal with Declan Rice’s corner in the seventh minute, allowing Ben White to cross home the opener. The goalkeeper then spilled White’s cross early in the second half, allowing Viktor Gyokeres to tap home in the 49th minute.
«I’m here to assess every position. I don’t have number one or number two, that’s not how I work,» Rosenior said.
“If you look at me at every club, there has to be competition. Not just in goalkeeping, but in every position on the pitch and you have to earn your place in this team.”
Published on January 15, 2026
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