Chelsea have received a boost over Marco Palestra after Xabi Alonso revealed when the defender could finally make his competitive debut.
Palestra has not featured since joining the Blues from Atalanta this summer after suffering an injury shortly before the Premier League opener.
The 21-year-old will again miss Saturday’s meeting with Hull City, but his return is now getting significantly closer.
Chelsea have confirmed that Palestra has been recovering from a quad injury and is approaching the final stages of his rehabilitation.
Marco Palestra could return against Brentford
Alonso has identified next weekend’s trip to Brentford as a possible return date.
The Chelsea head coach added that Palestra should be available by the following game against Bournemouth if Brentford comes too soon.
Speaking about the defender’s recovery, Alonso said he is “almost in the last stages” before identifying Chelsea’s next two fixtures as potential targets.
That represents encouraging progress after Palestra missed the opening weeks of the campaign.
ReadChelsea’s latest Chelsea injury update had Palestra among the players unavailable alongside Moises Caicedo, Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha.
There has now been genuine movement towards a return.
Palestra impressed during Chelsea’s pre-season programme after arriving from Atalanta and was handed the No.2 shirt for the 2026/27 season.
His absence has prevented Alonso from using another natural option on the right side of his system during the opening weeks.
Reece James and Malo Gusto provide alternatives, but Palestra’s return would increase Alonso’s flexibility as the schedule becomes more demanding.
The Italian also remains eligible outside Chelsea’s 20-player senior Premier League list because of his age, as explained in ReadChelsea’s full Chelsea squad registration breakdown.
Hull therefore comes too soon.
But Chelsea could finally have one of their major summer additions available when they travel across west London to face Brentford.
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