Chelsea deserve Champions League spot — Rosenior

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has insisted the club belongs in the Champions League as his side prepares for a crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal.

Chelsea’s hopes of securing a top-four finish have suffered in recent weeks following draws with Leeds United and Burnley, allowing Manchester United to move ahead and Liverpool to close the gap.

Rosenior, however, remains confident in his team’s trajectory.

He said: “This club should be in the Champions League, this club is a Champions League club. “When I took over, we were eighth. We’re now in the race.“We’ve won eight out of 12, and it should be 10 out of 12. That’s not bad.”

Looking ahead to Arsenal, Rosenior provided updates on his squad, confirming a major boost with Reece James fit for selection.

• Paris Club Refund: Appeal Court quashes N38.8b judgment against CBN
• Customs intercepts N52.6m contrabands, rescues endangered pangolins in Bauchi
• Governor declares 48 children stolen from Gombe
• Olawepo-Hashim to Amupitan over INEC timetable: Resign now or brace for mass action
• Just in: Osun Assembly Speaker, 24 lawmakers dump PDP for Accord

He said: “Reece (James) is absolutely fine.

Romeo (Lavia) is getting stronger and stronger.

We had a mini practice match in the week, where he looked really good.“Estevao will be out for a little bit longer, and Jamie Gittens is progressing in his rehab.Cucu (Cucurella) is not available for Sunday.

Dario Essugo is back on the training pitch, too.”Chelsea were also drawn against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, a tie Rosenior described as exciting.

He said: “So excited. PSG are a fantastic team. I have experience of playing against them in France.“These are the games you live for. It’s going to be a great tie. We’ve got another three games before that, that I need to focus on.”With difficult fixtures still to come in the league, Rosenior stressed that his approach remains measured.

He said: “Firstly, it’s game by game. I’ve had this conversation with you guys before; the Premier League is so difficult every week. I don’t judge one game as harder as the other.“There are different tactical things you can work on. I’m really happy with the group and the start we have made.”

Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp

[wpadcenter_ad id='745970' align='none']