Chelsea head into Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash with Leeds United with several fitness questions still hanging over Xabi Alonso’s squad.
Moises Caicedo remains the biggest concern, while summer signings Marco Palestra and Jordan Henderson are both moving closer to making their competitive Chelsea returns.
With another Premier League game against Hull City following on Saturday, Alonso has little incentive to take unnecessary risks at Stamford Bridge.
Moises Caicedo injury latest
Caicedo looks unlikely to be risked against Leeds after missing Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Arsenal.
The midfielder had returned from injury against Brighton but lasted only 14 minutes before being forced off again.
Alonso then left him out completely at the Emirates.
Chelsea’s official update on Caicedo confirmed the problem is not considered long term, but the Blues boss admitted they may have brought him back too early against Brighton.
That significantly reduces the likelihood of Chelsea gambling on him again only three days after Arsenal.
ReadChelsea’s previous Moises Caicedo injury update covered Alonso’s admission and why patience now looks the sensible approach.
Caicedo’s absence would again leave Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Malo Gusto and Valentin Barco among Alonso’s midfield options.
Our latest Chelsea predicted XI against Leeds currently has Lavia partnering Barco, allowing James to be rested after starting against Arsenal.
Marco Palestra closing in on Chelsea return
There is more encouraging news surrounding Marco Palestra.
The Italian has yet to make his competitive Chelsea debut after suffering a fitness setback shortly before the opening Premier League fixture against Fulham.
However, Palestra has now provided a positive update himself.
Speaking to Sky Sport in Italy, with his comments published by TuttoMercatoWeb, the wing-back said he feels much better and indicated his return is only a matter of days away.
That represents clear progress from late August.
Chelsea had previously ruled Palestra out alongside Caicedo against Luton without being able to provide a firm comeback date.
Whether Leeds comes slightly too soon remains unclear.
Palestra has not played competitive football this season, so even once medically available Alonso may need to manage his minutes carefully.
Jordan Henderson getting closer to Chelsea debut
Jordan Henderson is another player approaching a return.
The 36-year-old has still not made his competitive Chelsea debut after arriving at Stamford Bridge during the summer while recovering from the wrist injury he sustained at the World Cup.
There has been noticeable progress.
Alonso recently told Chelsea’s official website that Henderson is getting closer to playing time as he discussed the midfield options available following Enzo Fernandez’s departure.
Henderson has been working with the squad at Cobham, although Chelsea have not provided a confirmed date for his first appearance.
His eventual return would be particularly useful while Caicedo remains unavailable.
ReadChelsea previously covered Henderson’s move to Chelsea, with Alonso viewing the former Liverpool captain as an experienced option capable of adding leadership and midfield depth.
Chelsea injury picture before Leeds
For now, Caicedo appears the least likely of the three to feature against Leeds.
Palestra is moving closer but may still need more time, while Henderson’s increased involvement at Cobham suggests his Chelsea debut is approaching.
Alonso therefore still has decisions to make before Wednesday’s 8pm kick-off.
Our complete Chelsea vs Leeds preview has the latest team news, television details and expected line-up ahead of the Carabao Cup tie.
Chelsea will then have only three days before returning to Premier League action against Hull City, making sensible management of all three players important over the coming week.
Chelsea vs Leeds tickets: Ticket Exchange now open
Chelsea vs Leeds tickets: Ticket Exchange now open