Chelsea return to Premier League action this weekend with a growing treatment table and a lot of questions for Xabi Alonso to answer before Saturday’s visit of Bournemouth.
Joao Pedro the big worry
The main concern revolves around Joao Pedro. Chelsea’s current player of the season rescued a point against newly promoted Hull, but he suffered a knock and sat out the damaging 3-0 defeat at Brentford. The problem also prompted his removal from Brazil’s squad shortly after he had returned to it.
It is understood that he is undergoing specialist knee treatment in an attempt to expedite his recovery, although reports in Brazil suggest that he could be out for up to four weeks. No date has yet been set, but a return later in October looks most likely.
Palmer and Caicedo edging closer
There is more good news elsewhere. Cole Palmer was among the players called up to the latest England squad, which did not go down too well with Thomas Tuchel.
The midfielder has been recovering from a persistent groin injury and has been working with a rehab coach. He is likely to be fit this weekend.
Moises Caicedo has also struggled with an injury this season, playing just 14 minutes across the campaign. He’s spent the majority of time on the bench recovering from a bad calf injury, which ruled him out for most of the season.
He made his only appearance as a substitute against his former club Brighton, but the game was red-flagged for Ecuador’s friendlies, so he did not play.
Alonso said before the Brentford match that the player would be ready to return. It seems to be the case, unless something went wrong.
Reinforcements on the way
Captain Reece James missed the Brentford game with yet another hamstring problem. Alonso said he only just missed out, so a return seems likely.
There may also be debuts. Marco Palestra, the £27m signing from Atalanta, has been sidelined since a training injury just before the opening match against Fulham. He is back in full training and was expected to feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Portsmouth. Chelsea lost 2-0. Emmanuel Emegha, injured after scoring against Bromley in July, is also pushing for involvement.
Less clear is the position of Jamie Gittens. He limped off with an ankle injury playing for England Under-21s against Kazakhstan and was seen on crutches. Mike Penders is fine after a quad scare on Belgium duty. Returning to the bench against Turkey.
A fixture that could shape the autumn
Chelsea badly need a lift. Defeat at Brentford before the break left Alonso’s side looking shaky, and a squad stretched by injuries has not helped.
Saturday brings a chance to steady things. If Palmer, James and Caicedo are available, with Palestra and Emegha potentially adding fresh options, the picture will look much brighter at Stamford Bridge. Joao Pedro’s absence will still sting. However, a strong response against Bournemouth would go a long way towards easing the pressure and restoring belief.
