Xabi Alonso press conference ahead of Fulham vs Chelsea
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Danny Welbeck is fit for Chelsea’s Premier League opener at Fulham tonight, while Enzo Fernandez has been named to the bench. Moises Caicedo is left out altogether.
Welbeck had been spotted training individually at Cobham on Friday morning, raising concerns that he may be an injury doubt for Xabi Alonso’s first competitive game in charge.
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW FULHAM VS CHELSEA LIVE!
The veteran forward, a summer signing from Brighton, has been managing a small unspecified issue, but Alonso has confirmed that he will be available for selection at Craven Cottage.
"He can be involved,” Alonso said in his pre-match press conference on Thursday. “He needs a couple of days not training too much because of a little thing. We expect him to be back on Saturday.”
Alonso also confirmed that those who had returned late following the World Cup would be available for selection despite a limited pre-season.
That includes wantaway midfielder Fernandez, who remains heavily linked to Manchester City despite Chelsea’s self-imposed deadline for clubs to meet their £120million valuation passing without any bids.
On Fernandez, Alonso refused to say whether the 25-year-old had personally told him that he wanted to stay at the club.
Centre of attention: Enzo Fernandez will start for Chelsea against Fulham
However, he did go on to praise the Argentine’s attitude since returning to training 10 days ago and said he would be ready to play against Fulham.
“Enzo is a Chelsea player. He is a top, top player. He's training really well since he started 10 days ago with the team, very integrated, and we are happy with him, and he's getting ready for Monday,” Alonso continued.
Wesley Fofana is suspended after he picked up a red card in the final league game of last season away to Sunderland.
The likes of Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap and Mykhailo Mudryk are part of the second group training away from Alonso’s core squad members, and are left out.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Gusto, James, Lavia, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro
Read More
Fulham vs Chelsea: Premier League - LIVE
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal in Alvarez talks, Baleba has Man Utd medical
Chelsea starlet agrees new long-term deal with loan move in the offing
Discover a hidden island paradise in the Indian Ocean
Subs: Penders, Chavarria, Barco, Enzo Fernandez, Estevao, Gittens, Neto, Quenda, Welbeck
Time and date: 8pm BST on Monday August 24, 2026
Venue: Craven Cottage
How to watch: Sky Sports
Shopping Best Buys