**Chelsea wingback Marco Palestra says he expects to be back available in a matter of “days”.**
Asked about his injury in an interview with [_TMW_](https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/palestra-del-chelsea-piace-tutto-ritorno-infortunio-sento-meglio-2269768), the 21-year-old said he is closing in on a return to full fitness:
“I’m fine, it’s still a few days away, but I feel much better.”
Palestra has not made his competitive debut for the Blues since his £47m move from Atalanta at the beginning of July.
The Italian international played a prominent role in pre-season, but he was ruled out for the opening three games against Fulham, Luton Town (in the FA Cup) and Brighton.
Somewhat surprisingly, Xabi Alonso was not asked about the wingback’s fitness in his pre-match press conference on Friday, so we don’t know for certain whether he could be available for the London derby or not.
However, based on Palestra’s remarks, it appears he isn’t back in full training yet, so the earliest we may see him in action is the subsequent fixture against Leeds in the Carabao Cup on September 9th or the following league game versus Hull City on September 12th.
Other Chelsea injury news
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Alonso says that Moises Caicedo is facing a late fitness test ahead of the [**Arsenal match**](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-predicted-lineup-vs-arsenal-4/). The Ecuadorian lasted just 14 minutes before having to be replaced against Brighton. He came on for Pedro Neto on 68 minutes before being withdrawn on the 82nd last Sunday.
The Blues have one other injury concern. Like Palestra, Jordan Henderson has not made his debut yet due to a wrist injury he sustained at the World Cup.
Alonso claims that the 36-year-old is “getting closer and closer” to match fitness. He is unlikely to feature at the Emirates, but he could potentially be back for the Carabao Cup tie versus Leeds.