Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has said a decision is still pending on the team's pre-match huddle ahead of Tuesday's Champions League last-16 second leg against Paris St Germain. The ritual caused farcical scenes during Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle when referee Paul Tierney became trapped inside the circle of players.
Rosenior reiterated that the huddle is not intended to intimidate or annoy, but declined to confirm whether it would be repeated as Chelsea prepare to face PSG needing to overturn a 5-2 deficit from the first leg. 'I think it's been blown out of proportion,' he said. 'It's a small thing among many serious things that we need to address, such as the massive game against PSG.'
The former Strasbourg boss plans to meet with the PGMOL this week to discuss refereeing decisions, though not necessarily the Tierney incident. 'I think it's a distraction for the media,' he added. 'The huddle was something the players wanted to show unity. They're a good group. We never wanted to antagonise anyone or create noise.'
Injury concerns mount for Chelsea, with captain Reece James potentially facing several weeks out after injuring his hamstring against Newcastle. The 26-year-old, who signed a new six-year contract on Friday, will miss Tuesday's game. Malo Gusto could also be absent through illness as the Blues aim to overcome a three-goal deficit against the European champions.
'Reece felt something in his hamstring at the end of the game against Newcastle,' said Rosenior. 'Really frustrating and disappointing one for us. We don't know the full extent of that injury but he's out for tomorrow's game. It could be (weeks) with a hamstring injury, it's never great.'
