Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday, with Xabi Alonso giving his latest injury update on his squad
The Premier League returns this weekend with an extended international break. Chelsea return to action against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (3pm).
Xabi Alonso would be given extra time to work with the players remaining at Cobham over the break, but it was a quick turnaround for some of those returning from international duty. The preparations for the match have intensified in the last few days.
The break gave some injured players extra time to complete their recovery from any minor niggles or injuries. It also provided few injury worries for Alonso and his backroom staff.
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The Chelsea boss spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s game where he gave his latest injury update. With that in mind, let’s take a look at Chelsea’s injury list.
Moises Caicedo
injury: Calf
The midfielder struggled in pre-season and aggravated the problem when he tried to make a comeback against Brighton in the Premier League in August. Now it looks like he’s close to making a comeback.
What Alonso said: “Yeah, he’s ready to go. We used the time with Moi to reshape him. He’s ready to go.”
“Any team that loses a quality, dynamic player, we’ve missed him. We’re glad he’s back and he’s feeling better. We wouldn’t want to risk Brentford, for example. He’s feeling better.”
Possible return date: v Bournemouth (H), Saturday 9 October (15:00)
Cole Palmer
injury: Muscle
Palmer was initially selected for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad during the international break but was ruled out with a muscle injury. She spent part of her break in the Caribbean working with a specialist fitness trainer.
What Alonso said: “Yes, they have been able to train, some more than others. They are well trained and ready to go.”
Possible return date: v Bournemouth (H), Saturday 9 October (15:00)
João Pedro
injury: Knee
The striker suffered a knee injury in Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford before the international break, a problem that forced him to withdraw from the Brazil squad. Joao was seeing a specialist during the break to speed up his recovery.
What Alonso said: “Yes, they have been able to train, some more than others. They are well trained and ready to go.”
Possible return date: v Bournemouth (H), Saturday 9 October (15:00)
Jamie Gittens
injury: Ankle
In England U21’s match against Kazakhstan, the winger had to leave the field during the break. He was later seen on crutches and out for a while.
What Alonso said: “He won’t be available tomorrow, which is bad news. He’s injured his ankle and will be out for a few weeks.”
Possible return date: Unknown
Reece James
injury: Hamstring
The club captain missed the defeat against Brentford before the international break and was not fit enough to be part of the England squad. Alonso may be careful with the defender given his injury history.
What Alonso said: “Yes, they have been able to train, some more than others. They are well trained and ready to go.”
Possible return date: v Bournemouth (H), Saturday 9 October (15:00)
Marco Palestra
injury: Four
The £47million arrival did not make his competitive debut for Chelsea after picking up an injury in the build-up to the team’s opening game of the season against Fulham. But it seems that the first look could have been closer.
What Alonso said: “Yes, they have been able to train, some more than others. Marco Palestra too. That was the plan. They have trained well and are ready to go.”
Possible return date: v Bournemouth (H), Saturday 9 October (15:00)
Emmanuel Emega
injury: Hamstring
Another player yet to make his club debut after signing in the summer. The fact that the striker has been seen in training in recent days suggests that he is close to appearing.
Possible return date: v Bournemouth (H), Saturday 9 October (15:00)