Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso smiles during a press conference(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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Xabi Alonso has been handed a welcome boost with Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha both fit enough to take part in Chelsea's Carabao Cup second round tie with Luton Town.
Welbeck was named on the Blues bench for the 3-2 win over Fulham on Monday evening but the 35-year-old striker did not get on at Craven Cottage. The former Brighton forward passed a late fitness test for their Premier League opener but was not used. However, Welbeck could make his competitive debut for Chelsea against Luton on Thursday.
As could Emegha. The Netherlands international, who was brought in from sister club Strasbourg this summer to boost Alonso's striker options, missed the club's pre-season tour due to a hamstring injury he suffered, agonisingly, just before the squad flew out to Sydney.
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Emegha has been involved in training since the squad landed back in the UK earlier this month but the club have been cautious with rushing him back into the action. The Dutchman, who scored in both of Chelsea's behind-closed-door friendlies last month, is in line to make his debut for the Blues at some point on Thursday night.
Alonso is set to have both strikers available for him when Jack Wilshere's Luton come to the capital on Thursday night. Welbeck and Emegha both trained on Wednesday.
Fellow new signing Jordan Henderson will have to wait to be involved, however. The 36-year-old, who arrived on a free transfer after leaving Brentford this summer, suffered a serious arm injury - one that required surgery - in a bizarre post-match incident following England's World Cup victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
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Henderson badly broke his left forearm after falling over an advertising hoarding while celebrating the Three Lions' momentous victory in Mexico. The England international has been training with his Chelsea teammates, but sporadically, and away from the main group at times.
When asked by football.london for an update on the trio and their fitness levels, Alonso said: "Jordan not yet. Danny and Emma, yes. Jordan will take a little bit longer. Let's see. I'm not a doctor and I don't have the date yet so we need to wait a little longer."
Alonso was also asked about Josh Acheampong and whether the 20-year-old defender will leave on loan before the conclusion of the summer transfer window next week. Sources say a decision on Acheampong is yet to be made, and Alonso confirmed that.
"He played really well [vs Fulham], against Milan and Real Sociedad as well," the Chelsea manager explained. "We are really happy with Josh. We need to check but we are happy with his level and, at the moment, he is playing with confidence and that's what we want for Josh."
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Chelsea sources are insistent that any approaches over a permanent deal for Acheampong will be turned down. In that regard, as reported earlier in the summer, the Blues view the Cobham graduate as untouchable.
Josh Acheampong
Josh Acheampong shone for Chelsea in their win over Fulham(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA)
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Acheampong could well feature in Chelsea's cup tie with Luton. All eyes will be on the team sheets around an hour before kick-off at Stamford Bridge and whether Enzo Fernandez starts in the Blues midfield given all the noise around his future.
Sources expect Manchester City to make an official offer this week for the 25-year-old midfielder, who wants to depart west London this summer. It has turned into a messy transfer saga for all involved but Alonso insisted it has not been a distraction to him or the Chelsea squad.
"No [it is not a distraction]," said Alonso. "The players, they have experience. They are not new to this. They know how to do it, how to deal with it.
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez could feature for Chelsea against Luton Town(Image: Pedro Porru/MB Media)
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"We never talk about these things. We try to deal with them positively and the best thing is being there with football focus. After a win, itβs better. Yesterday was better. Today was just about Luton."
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