Chelsea will be without Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra for Thursday’s Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town, but Xabi Alonso hopes the Ecuadorian can return against Brighton this weekend.
Both players missed Monday’s 3-2 Premier League victory at Fulham after suffering setbacks in training and neither has recovered in time for the second-round cup tie.
However, Alonso delivered better news on Cole Palmer, while Enzo Fernandez will be involved and Mike Penders has been handed an opportunity to feature.
Chelsea covered more distance (123.3km) than any other club in the Premier League in game week 1. Xabi Alonso has got them going! 🔥 #CFC #FULCHE pic.twitter.com/ZHwhutIzC5
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Caicedo and Palestra ruled out of Chelsea vs Luton
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Alonso confirmed neither Caicedo nor Palestra will be available on Thursday.
Chelsea’s official team-news update quotes Alonso as saying: ‘Not for tomorrow, both won’t make it.’
There is greater optimism surrounding Caicedo.
Alonso hopes the midfielder could recover in time to face his former club Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, while Chelsea need to carry out further checks on Palestra before establishing his return.
That provides a clearer timeline than the initial update following Fulham.
ReadChelsea reported on Tuesday that Caicedo and Palestra had suffered minor setbacks, with Alonso initially saying Chelsea would assess the pair week by week.
Their continued absence leaves Romeo Lavia and Reece James among Alonso’s central-midfield options against Luton.
ReadChelsea’s analysis of Alonso’s tactical decisions against Fulham examined how James and Lavia compensated for Caicedo’s unexpected absence at Craven Cottage.
There is better news elsewhere in the squad.
Alonso confirmed Palmer is ‘absolutely fine’ after Monday’s victory, removing any immediate concern over the Chelsea No.10.
Fernandez will also be involved after impressing Alonso in training.
The Argentina international came from the bench at Fulham and could receive a larger role on Thursday as Chelsea rotate ahead of Brighton.
Penders is another player pushing for an opportunity.
Alonso confirmed the goalkeeper is part of the squad and has a chance of featuring, although he will inform his players of the starting XI before making his decision public.
That strengthens the case for Penders to make his competitive Chelsea debut, with ReadChelsea’s predicted XI against Luton already backing the Belgian to start.
Chelsea therefore head into Thursday without Caicedo and Palestra, but Alonso still has considerable scope to rotate his side while protecting key players for Sunday’s return to Premier League action.
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