FA Cup: Kenya’s Zak Vyner set to feature as Wrexham welcomes Chelsea
By Joel Masibo, March 7, 2026Harambee Stars defender Zak Vyner is set for minutes as Championship side Wrexham FC welcomes Chelsea for an FA Cup tie with a quarter-final ticket up for grabs on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Vyner came on as a late substitute for the Championship side’s 2-1 win over Portsmouth on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Chelsea team news
Meanwhile, ahead of the tie at Racecourse Ground, Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has revealed that Romeo Lavia will be involved, although Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens are not yet ready to return to action.
The London side last lifted the trophy in 2018, and progressing further in the competition remains a major target. However, Wrexham have already proven they can upset top-tier opposition after eliminating Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town earlier in the tournament. Because of that, Rosenior expects a demanding contest.
Although he hinted that changes to the lineup are possible, the coach stressed he intends to field a competitive squad against the Red Dragons.
Lavia is among the players set to feature, while the manager confirmed that Willian and Gittens are nearing fitness but will not be rushed back just yet.
Speaking to reporters at Chelsea’s Cobham training base, Rosenior explained: “Estevao is back on the pitch, but he is not quite ready for this one,” Rosenior told the gathered media at Cobham.
“He just needs to clear a few more markers first, and we need to be careful with him given he’s had a hamstring injury. It will be a big boost to have him back with the group,” said Rosenior.
The coach also provided an update on Gittens’ recovery process.
“Elsewhere, Jamie Gittens is getting really close [to a return] and he had a really positive scan. We hope that he can be back with the group within the next seven days or so,” he added.
He added that the squad came through their recent match against Aston Villa without any fresh injury concerns.
“In terms of from the Aston Villa game, there’s no injuries from that, which is fantastic,” Rosenior explained.
When asked whether Lavia could start the match, Rosenior responded positively.
“Yeah. I am delighted for him. Romeo will definitely play a part and he’ll play a huge part for the rest of the season,” he said.
“We all know his attributes. He’s been itching to play but we’ve tried to build him in the best possible way. But yes, his chances will come and he’s definitely going to play in these next few games,” he noted.
Delap’s situation
The manager was also questioned about the possibility of Liam Delap being included in the starting lineup after he spearheaded the attack in Chelsea’s previous FA Cup outing, which ended in a win away to his former club Hull City.
Providing an update on the striker’s fitness after his hamstring issue, Rosenior said:
“Liam is absolutely fine [following his hamstring injury] and in his last game, he got three assists [vs Hull],” added the head coach.
He also expressed confidence that the forward would make the most of his chances when called upon.
“When he gets his opportunity, I expect him to take it, as I do with all the players. He will get his opportunities in big games.” He said.