Xabi Alonso has confirmed Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra missed Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Fulham after suffering minor setbacks during the week.
Neither player featured in the matchday squad for Monday’s 3-2 victory at Craven Cottage, raising immediate questions about their availability for Chelsea’s upcoming matches against Luton Town and Brighton.
Alonso explained that both players were unavailable through fitness concerns rather than tactical decisions, with Chelsea unwilling to risk making their problems worse.
Moises Caicedo injury update after Fulham absence
ReadChelsea’s confirmed Chelsea XI against Fulham highlighted Caicedo’s unexpected absence, with Reece James instead partnering Romeo Lavia in midfield.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Alonso said: “During the week they had a few setbacks. With Moi, and with any player, we don’t want to take too much risk.
“They weren’t ready to play tonight. We need to go week-by-week, but for tonight they were not ready.”
Chelsea’s official injury update also confirmed Alonso described both issues as minor setbacks.
The club has not confirmed the specific nature of either injury or provided a return date. Alonso’s decision to assess the pair week by week suggests their availability will depend on how they respond to treatment and training.
Marco Palestra debut delayed after Chelsea setback
Palestra had been expected to feature after impressing throughout pre-season following his summer arrival from Atalanta.
Alonso recently explained why Palestra gives Chelsea something different, highlighting his ability to operate on either flank within the manager’s wing-back system.
Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato started in the wide positions against Fulham instead, while Pep Chavarria replaced Hato during the second half.
Chelsea now face two matches in quick succession. The club’s official fixture list confirms Luton visit Stamford Bridge on Thursday before Brighton arrive on Sunday.
Alonso has not ruled either player out of those fixtures, but Chelsea are unlikely to rush Caicedo or Palestra back unless they are considered fully ready.
