Chelsea could make several changes for Friday night’s Premier League trip to Brentford as Xabi Alonso waits on the fitness of six players.
João Pedro, Moises Caicedo and Reece James all face late assessments, while Marco Palestra, Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha are also pushing to be involved.
Alonso has refused to rule anybody out, but Chelsea’s final training session will determine who travels to the Gtech Community Stadium.
That uncertainty leaves several major selection decisions ahead of the 8pm kick-off.
Chelsea could return to back three against Brentford
Chelsea started with a back four during last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Hull City, with Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Jorrel Hato protecting Emi Martinez.
Alonso could now return to the 3-4-2-1 structure he has frequently used since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s official team-news update ahead of Brentford confirmed that no player has been ruled out, although Alonso stressed that final decisions would only be made after the last training session.
Emi Martinez should retain his place in goal.
Wesley Fofana is also expected to start, with Maxence Lacroix in contention to return after being introduced from the bench against Hull.
Levi Colwill could complete the back three.
That would allow Alonso to restore Pedro Neto and Jorrel Hato to wing-back roles, although Malo Gusto remains another option on either side.
Romeo Lavia set for important midfield role
Midfield is where Alonso faces one of his biggest decisions.
Caicedo is getting closer to returning after his calf injury but has played just 14 minutes this season following a recurrence of the problem against Brighton.
Given what happened during his previous comeback, Chelsea are unlikely to take unnecessary risks.
That should leave Romeo Lavia with another important role after starting against Hull.
Alonso has already spoken about how significant Caicedo is to his plans, describing the Ecuador international as one of the world’s leading midfielders, but his long-term fitness is more important than forcing another early return.
Gusto could therefore move inside alongside Lavia if James is not risked.
Palestra and Henderson provide further possibilities should either be cleared to make a competitive Chelsea debut.
João Pedro decision could hand Welbeck start
The biggest question in attack surrounds João Pedro.
The Brazilian withdrew from his country’s upcoming fixtures through injury after scoring three goals and providing three assists across Chelsea’s opening four Premier League matches.
Alonso has left the door open for João Pedro to feature, but his availability remains uncertain.
With an international break following the Brentford game, there is little reason to gamble if Chelsea’s No.9 is not completely ready.
Danny Welbeck could therefore lead the attack.
Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers should retain their positions behind the striker after becoming two of Alons
Xabi Alonso opens door to two Chelsea debuts vs Brentford
Xabi Alonso opens door to two Chelsea debuts vs Brentford
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