“Liam Rosenior, I’m sure, likes a laugh as much as anybody.
“But he seldom laughs when on media duty. And, right now, he’s got precious little to laugh about!
– Beaten by Newcastle on Saturday.
– Three goals down to PSG in the Champions League.
– Reece James confirmed as picking up his tenth hamstring issue since 2020.
“So little wonder his face remained straight when I attempted to lighten the mood around the other big Chelsea talking point right now.
“‘Some are referring to you as Glenn Huddle’, I ventured, as we discussed that controversial moment just before kick off on Saturday.
“Rosenior has seen and heard the outcry and obviously doesn’t find it anything to smile about.
“He’s not crying about it either. He is, though, learning from it.
“He agreed it’s an unwanted distraction and won’t be repeated.
“The pre-match huddle will continue. The positioning of it will be changed.
“It looks like his captain won’t be leading the huddle for some time though. Reece James is out with yet another hamstring injury.
“Rosenior wouldn’t say how long he’ll be out, apart from confirming he’s missing from the squad tomorrow night. Another scan is planned. But the vibe isn’t good.
“Asked by colleagues to comment on suggestions James could be out for two months, the club would neither confirm nor deny. The mood music suggests he could be in a race against time to play again this season, with all that might mean for his World Cup prospects.
“Better team news is Estevao. He’s back in full training after a hamstring issue of his own.
“And Pedro Neto is in contention to start against PSG too.
“UEFA have confirmed he will only be warned – not suspended – for his altercation with a ball boy last week in Paris.
“DISRESPECTING the ball boy one match.
“RESPECTING the ball the next.
“It’s the kind of paradox to make anyone smile.
“Well, anyone but Liam.”
