Chelsea have resolved the issue of confidential team information being disclosed ahead of their Champions League encounters with Paris Saint-Germain, manager Liam Rosenior has confirmed.
The Blues conducted an internal investigation following accurate leaks of their starting lineups before both last-16 ties against the French giants, with the club now having identified the individual responsible.
Speaking at his pre-Everton press conference, Rosenior revealed the source was not within the playing squad.
“We know (who it is),” the Chelsea boss said. “It’s not come from any place of malicious intent to me or to the team.
“We know where it’s come from and we’ve dealt with the situation.”
The leaks are believed to be external rather than originating from inside the dressing room.
Prior to the first leg in Paris, French media outlets published Rosenior’s entire starting XI before the match.
Chelsea had team news leaked before both of their Champions League ties with PSG
|
GETTYThe second leg proved no different, with reports emerging beforehand that Wesley Fofana would be dropped from the defence, with Trevoh Chalobah and Jorrel Hato set to form the centre-back partnership instead.
Both predictions proved accurate, prompting the club to launch an inquiry into how such sensitive information was reaching the press.
The investigation has now concluded, with Chelsea satisfied they have traced the origin of the disclosures and taken appropriate action.
Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS
Rosenior emphasised there was no ill intent behind the breaches, suggesting the matter has been addressed without significant disciplinary consequences.
Chalobah, meanwhile, faces a spell on the sidelines after being stretchered off during the closing minutes of Tuesday’s second leg following a challenge from PSG defender Achraf Hakimi.
The centre-back has since undergone medical assessments, with Rosenior confirming a six-week absence is anticipated.
“It wasn’t until after the game that I saw the image [of the tackle] and then you’re really worried for the next day,” the manager explained.
While acknowledging the setback, Rosenior expressed relief that the damage was less severe than initially anticipated.
“Obviously, it’s never good that Trevoh is out for any period of time, but fortunately, it’s not as serious as we first feared,” he added.
Reece James could return for Chelsea after the international break
|
GETTY“It’s still a serious injury but we’re looking at a period of six weeks, which is disappointing but from where we were a couple of days ago, straight after the game, we are in a better place than we thought.”
Rosenior also provided updates on goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and captain Reece James, both of whom have been dealing with separate fitness concerns.
“Unfortunately, Filip had his scan and needed a minor operation,” the manager revealed. “Nothing too serious again, it’s a matter of weeks.”
James, who missed the midweek fixture with a hamstring problem sustained against Newcastle United, will be assessed following the international break.
“With Reece, we’re going to look more after the international break. It’s not serious, but there is something in his hamstring [scan] and it’s something we’ll monitor after the international break,” Rosenior said.
On a more positive note, Levi Colwill has returned to first-team training as he continues his recovery from the ACL injury suffered during pre-season.
