Chelsea have received a double team-news boost ahead of Monday’s Premier League opener against Fulham, with Danny Welbeck expected to return to training and Xabi Alonso confirming his late World Cup returnees are all available for selection.
The Blues travel to Craven Cottage for Alonso’s first competitive league game as Chelsea head coach on Monday night.
There had been some uncertainty around Welbeck after the summer signing missed part of training because of a minor fitness problem.
However, Chelsea have now officially confirmed that Alonso expects the striker to resume full training on Saturday.
Chelsea also have no fresh injury concerns heading into the final days of preparation.
🚨🔵 Xabi Alonso on Danny Welbeck:
“He can be involved.”
“He needs a couple of days not training too much because of a little thing. We expect him to be back on Saturday.”
Positive news ahead of Fulham. 💙
(@BobbyVincentFL)#CFC pic.twitter.com/4PnJ7yLh5a
— ChelseaReport (@chelsreport_) August 20, 2026
Fulham vs Chelsea team news takes positive turn
Alonso explained that Welbeck only required a couple of quieter training days because of what he described as a small issue.
The plan is for the 35-year-old to return on Saturday before Chelsea assess whether he is ready to feature at Craven Cottage.
Welbeck’s availability would strengthen an already competitive attacking group.
Marc Guiu has been left without a Chelsea squad number, but Joao Pedro, Emmanuel Emegha and several other forwards remain available to Alonso.
There was another positive update involving the players who returned later to pre-season following the World Cup.
Alonso acknowledged that some still require additional time to reach peak condition, but confirmed that all are available to be selected against Fulham.
That gives Chelsea’s new head coach a much broader group to choose from for his first Premier League line-up.
The fixture represents the first major test of Alonso’s summer work after a pre-season spent introducing a new tactical structure and integrating several signings.
ReadChelsea highlighted Fulham as Alonso’s immediate opening-day test when the fixtures were announced.
Chelsea now head towards Craven Cottage without any new injury setbacks and with Welbeck moving closer to joining the available group.
Alonso’s problem increasingly looks like one of selection rather than availability.
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