Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior faced the media ahead of this weekend’s showdown with Arsenal, while also expressing excitement about a forthcoming Paris Saint-Germain test in the Champions League.

Chelsea’s push for a top-four finish has stalled slightly following draws against Leeds United and Burnley, results that have allowed Manchester United to leapfrog them and Liverpool to close the gap.

The Blues have not beaten Arsenal since August 2021 and were eliminated by the Gunners in the EFL Cup earlier this season after losing both legs. Rosenior will now be hoping to end that barren run in what could prove a pivotal fixture in the race for Champions League qualification.

James boost ahead of Arsenal

Rosenior began by providing a positive update on his squad, confirming that captain Reece James is fit and available.

“Reece is absolutely fine,” he said. “Romeo 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 is not available for Sunday. Dario Essugo is back on the training pitch too.”

The return of James is a significant lift for Chelsea as they prepare for one of the toughest stretches of their campaign.

PSG tie ‘a game you live for’

Attention will soon turn to Europe after Friday’s draw paired Chelsea with French champions PSG in the Champions League.

“So excited,” Rosenior said. “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.”

‘This club is a Champions League club’

Before facing PSG, Chelsea must navigate a demanding domestic run that includes fixtures against Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Manchester United.

Rosenior insisted his focus remains on steady progress rather than looking too far ahead.

“Firstly, it’s game by game. The Premier League is so difficult every week. I don’t judge one game as harder than another. There are different tactical things you can work on. I’m really happy with the group and the start we have made.

“We’ve won eight out of 12, and it should be 10 out of 12. That’s not bad.

“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.”