Chelsea return to Premier League motion on Saturday once they welcome Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge, with Xabi Alonso assessing his squad after the prolonged worldwide break.
The Blues might be desperate to return to successful methods following their 3-0 defeat to Brentford earlier than the worldwide fixtures, and the break has given Alonso further time to work with gamers who remained at Cobham whereas a number of others represented their international locations.
Nonetheless, the quick turnaround for returning internationals means preparations have needed to intensify in latest days. The break has additionally offered a possibility for injured gamers to proceed their rehabilitation, though Chelsea have emerged with some health issues forward of the weekend fixture.
Chatting with the media earlier than the Bournemouth match, Alonso offered updates on a number of vital gamers, with Moises Caicedo closing in on a return and Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro nonetheless requiring consideration.
Moises Caicedo
Harm: Calf
Caicedo is able to return after engaged on his health throughout the worldwide break. The midfielder initially suffered the issue throughout pre-season earlier than aggravating it when he tried to make his comeback in opposition to Brighton in August.
Chelsea subsequently managed his restoration fastidiously, with Alonso explaining that the membership didn’t need to take pointless dangers with the Ecuador worldwide.
Sure, he’s able to go. Now we have used the time with Moi to get him again match. He’s able to go
Alonso mentioned.
The Chelsea supervisor additionally highlighted the midfielder’s significance to the staff, admitting that his absence had been felt.
Any staff lacking a participant of his high quality, his dynamic, now we have missed him for certain. We’re joyful he’s again, and he feels higher. We didn’t need to take dangers for Brentford, for instance. He feels significantly better.
Caicedo’s return would supply Chelsea with a big enhance in midfield as they put together to face Bournemouth.
Cole Palmer
Harm: Muscular downside
Palmer stays a priority after withdrawing from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad throughout the worldwide break due to a muscular damage.
The attacking midfielder had initially been chosen for worldwide obligation however was unable to affix the squad after the issue emerged. He subsequently spent a part of the break within the Caribbean working with a specialist health coach as he continued his restoration.
Chelsea might be eager to determine whether or not Palmer is match sufficient to characteristic in opposition to Bournemouth, given his significance to their attacking play. Nonetheless, the accessible replace doesn’t affirm whether or not he might be accessible for Saturday’s match.
Joao Pedro
Harm: Knee
Joao Pedro missed Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford earlier than the worldwide break due to a knee damage, which additionally pressured him to withdraw from Brazil’s squad.
The ahead spent the break consulting a specialist in an effort to speed up his restoration and enhance his probabilities of returning to motion.
His availability might be one other vital consideration for Alonso as Chelsea put together for Bournemouth. With the Brazilian having missed the earlier fixture, the membership might want to assess his progress earlier than making a closing determination on his involvement.
Chelsea damage image forward of Bournemouth
Caicedo’s return gives encouragement for Chelsea, however Palmer and Joao Pedro stay the important thing health questions heading into Saturday’s recreation.
Alonso will hope the time spent working at Cobham throughout the worldwide break has helped his squad get better and put together for the resumption of the Premier League. The ultimate selections on Palmer and Joao Pedro will rely on their situation forward of kick-off.
