Paul Merson
January 2026
Merson tore into Chelsea’s display after they lost 1-0 at the Emirates and went out 4-2 on aggregate, saying they “never had a go” and exited “with a whimper.” Havertz scored late to settle the tie. Chelsea created little, tested Kepa rarely, and posted modest chance creation (0.68 xG cited). Merson argued they should have taken risks to chase the final rather than drifting through the game.
Bukayo Saka
January 2026
Saka pulled out of Arsenal’s starting XI after picking up a groin issue in the warm-up at Elland Road. He is expected to miss the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea, but Arsenal believe the injury is not serious and he could return soon. Arteta said Saka felt a niggle in the warm-up, improved the next day, and Arsenal will monitor how he responds before deciding if he can feature “tomorrow or the weekend.”
Alejandro Garnacho
January 2026
Gary Neville said Garnacho looked drained of confidence for Chelsea against West Ham and called his first half horrible, after he was substituted at halftime with Chelsea 2-0 down. Garnacho has struggled for output since joining. Neville pointed to repeated turnovers, backward first touches and defensive tracking failures on Chelsea’s left, where Wan-Bissaka overlapped freely. He said the shape change after the substitution transformed the match as Chelsea rallied to win 3-2.
Jérémy Jacquet
January 2026
Liverpool announced an agreement to sign Jacquet from Rennes, with the defender remaining at Rennes for the rest of the current campaign before moving to Anfield ahead of the 2026-27 season, subject to clearance. Chelsea had held interest and talks, but Jacquet opted for Liverpool; Liverpool highlighted his Rennes appearances and France U21 experience, while the player said finishing the season strongly at Rennes matters before the move.
Tylel Tati
January 2026
Chelsea made a late move for 18-year-old Nantes defender Tati with a reported €30m verbal offer, planning to loan him to Strasbourg, after losing Jacquet to Liverpool. Chelsea accelerated talks once Jacquet’s move to Liverpool progressed; the offer reportedly includes add-ons like a sell-on clause, but time pressure and the player’s decision process are key obstacles.
Jean-Clair Todibo
January 2026
A mass brawl erupted late after Chelsea’s comeback winner, ending with Todibo shown a straight red card for violent conduct. The flashpoint began when Traore shoved Cucurella near the touchline. In the melee, Todibo grabbed Pedro by the throat; VAR reviewed and dismissed him. Players including Palmer and Mavropanos were involved as tempers flared.
Liam Rosenior
January 2026
Chelsea came from 2-0 down to beat West Ham 3-2, with Rosenior saying he would have booed the first-half performance. West Ham led via Bowen and Summerville. Chelsea levelled through a Pedro header and Cucurella from close range, then Fernandez scored the winner. Rosenior credited the fans for the second half and said results (six wins from seven) are the only way to win them over.
Liam Rosenior
January 2026
Chelsea are exploring recalling Strasbourg loanee Sarr to strengthen centre-back depth after injuries and a difficult pursuit of Jacquet. With Adarabioyo and Colwill injured and current options led by Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana, Chelsea have already recalled Anselmino from Borussia Dortmund and are now in talks to terminate Sarr’s loan early, with Rosenior calling squad strengthening a priority but warning business could be busy or quiet.
Liam Rosenior
January 2026
Joe Cole praised Rosenior’s early Chelsea spell after a 3-2 Champions League win at Napoli that secured a top-eight league-phase finish and automatic last-16 qualification. Cole pointed to results and a visible shift in mindset since Maresca’s exit, arguing winning in Naples and a strong short-term run validates the appointment despite initial skepticism about experience.
Raheem Sterling
January 2026
Chelsea confirmed Sterling has left the club by mutual agreement and will look for a new club in January after not featuring this season. He fell out of favour, was placed in the “bomb squad” under Maresca, then loaned to Arsenal in 2024-25 with little impact and returned in summer before an exit was agreed; Rosenior avoided detailing his situation publicly.
