Moises Caicedo, Marco Palestra and Jordan Henderson
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Chelsea are hoping to welcome back three players from injury this week.
In what would be a huge boost for manager Xabi Alonso, after a frustrating 2-2 draw with Hull City, all of Moises Caicedo, Marco Palestra and Jordan Henderson are pushing to return.
Caicedo’s absence has been keenly felt in the centre of the pitch, with Chelsea shipping goals at an alarming rate during the opening weeks of the season.
With that in mind, here is all the latest Chelsea injury news and potential return dates...
Moises Caicedo
Caicedo has endured a difficult start to the season.
The Ecuador international missed Chelsea’s opening two matches before returning against former club Brighton, but lasted only 14 minutes before being forced off.
He then sat out the fixtures against Arsenal, Leeds and, most recently, Hull, with manager Alonso confirming that he was struggling with a calf problem.
Asked for an update ahead of facing the Tigers, Alonso said: “Let's see for Brentford, but unluckily not at the moment to take risks with him. Not yet, we are not there yet.”
Potential return date: September 18 vs Brentford (A)
Marco Palestra
Summer signing Palestra was a regular during pre-season but is yet to feature in a competitive match for his new club. The Italian picked up a knock in training shortly after arriving from Atalanta, delaying his debut.
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Palestra suggested his return was approaching when speaking to Italian outlet Tuttomercato a fortnight ago. “I’m fine, it’s still a few days away, but I feel much better,” he said.
But, asked if Palestra could face Hull, Alonso simply said on Friday: “No. No, no, no.”
He added: “He's quite frustrated after a very good pre-season not to be able to play and to make his debut in the Premier League.
“But I told Marco, ’Easy, the season is long, there will be a lot of games, and you will play your role, you will have your minutes, you will enjoy your game.’
“He is full of energy, and you need to control that.”
Potential return date: September 18 vs Brentford (A)
Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson is yet to make his competitive debut since his surprise summer move from Brentford.
The veteran midfielder suffered a broken wrist while celebrating England’s quarter-final victory over Mexico at the World Cup, and has been unable to play in the two months since.
Henderson returned to training a little under two weeks ago, so is closing in on his first minutes in blue.
Alonso said ahead of the loss to Arsenal: “He has been training very well, but it is still frustrating for him that, even though it is his arm, it is taking that long. I think he is in the last stage of his recovery.”
Potential return date: September 18 vs Brentford (A)