Liam Rosenior insists Chelsea belong in Champions League ahead of Arsenal showdown

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has declared that his side must be competing among Europe’s elite as preparations intensify for a crucial Premier League encounter against Arsenal F.C. this weekend.

With Champions League qualification increasingly competitive, Chelsea’s recent draws against Leeds United F.C. and Burnley F.C. have slowed their momentum, allowing rivals including Manchester United F.C. and Liverpool F.C. to strengthen their positions in the race for a top-four finish.

Despite the setback, Rosenior remains firm in his belief that Chelsea’s trajectory reflects a club rebuilding its rightful status.

“This club should be in the Champions League, this club is a Champions League club,” Rosenior said, underlining expectations at Stamford Bridge since his arrival transformed a side previously sitting eighth into genuine contenders.

Sunday’s meeting with Arsenal also presents an opportunity to end a frustrating run against the North London side, whom Chelsea have not defeated in league competition since August 2021. The fixture carries added emotional weight after Arsenal eliminated the Blues from the EFL Cup earlier this season.

Rosenior offered encouraging news on squad fitness, confirming captain Reece James is available following injury concerns, while Roméo Lavia continues to build match sharpness. However, Marc Cucurella will miss the clash, with several others still progressing through rehabilitation programmes.

Attention will soon shift to Europe after Chelsea were paired with Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in the Champions League knockout stages, a draw Rosenior welcomed enthusiastically.

“So excited. PSG are a fantastic team… These are the games you live for,” he said, while stressing immediate focus remains on domestic commitments.

Chelsea’s demanding schedule, which still includes encounters with Newcastle United F.C., Aston Villa F.C. and Manchester City, leaves little margin for error.