Chelsea are working to contain a virus that has spread through the squad and staff ahead of Saturday's Premier League derby against Brentford. Striker Liam Delap and winger Jamie Gittens missed the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday night due to flu, with Delap ruled out just four hours before kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
Both players remained absent from training on Thursday as they recover at home, and a number of staff members have also fallen ill. Interim manager Liam Rosenior confirmed the club held a hygiene-focused meeting to prevent further spread: 'The club doctors are looking to contain a virus because some of our staff have gone down as well. We had a meeting today, telling everyone to wash their hands.'
There was positive news as Cole Palmer and captain Reece James returned to training earlier than expected, recovering from thigh and hip issues respectively. Malo Gusto is set to be available for Brentford, and Moises Caicedo returns from suspension. However, Romeo Lavia continues his recovery from a quad injury with no timeframe, while Dario Essugo is fit again after thigh surgery.
Levi Colwill remains a long-term absentee with an ACL injury, and Mykhailo Mudryk is still unavailable. Chelsea will hope to contain the virus ahead of a busy fixture period.
