Sarr will play in Chelsea cup game

Mamadou Sarr will play for Chelsea in Friday’s FA Cup tie against Leroy Rosenior’s former club Hull City.

It will be the defender’s first outing since recently being recalled from a loan spell at Strasbourg.

“He knows me really well and my demands,” said Rosenior, who left the French club to take over as Blues head coach.

“He needs time to bed in, but now I think he’s in a really good place and will definitely see the pitch at some point on Friday.”

Rosenior’s first managerial job was at Hull and he was widely considered unlucky to be sacked in May 2024 after they failed to reach the Championship play-offs.

He says he is looking forward to going back.

“For me, Hull City is very special,” he said.

“My grandma was a season ticket-holder. I’ve got my family coming up. The club means a lot to me for many reasons.

“Hopefully we can put on a really good show. I want to do well in this competition.We will go there with a team I think can win the game and we will take it seriously.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea are still assessing a hamstring injury Marc Cucurella picked up during Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Leeds. 

Reece James missed that game because of illness and is “still under the weather”, Rosenior said.