Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro is missing from the Chelsea squad due to injury(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA)
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Joao Pedro, Marco Palestra, Reece James and Moises Caicedo have all not been included in the Chelsea squad for tonight's Premier League clash at Brentford.
The Blues head into this evening's fixture looking to return to winning ways after a defeat to Arsenal and a draw with Hull City in their last two league matches. However, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will have to do that without Joao Pedro, James and Caicedo.
Alonso refused to clarify whether Joao Pedro had an injury during Thursday afternoon's press conference despite Brazil confirming the forward had a problem after withdrawing from their squad for the upcoming international break. Equally, Blues captain James unavailable to Thomas Tuchel with the England boss stating that was due to an injury, but has made the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium.
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As for Caicedo, this game comes too soon for the midfielder. The Ecuador international has featured just once for Chelsea this season due to a persistent groin injury.
There is some good news for Alonso, though, with Jordan Henderson back in the squad. Henderson is yet to feature for the Blues since signing on a free transfer. The 36-year-old left Brentford after striking a gentlemen's agreement with the Bees in the summer transfer window.
Marco Palestra, however, has not travelled to the Gtech. Palestra, like Henderson, is yet to play for Chelsea in a competitive match because of injury. The Italian defender has a quad problem and while he has returned to first-team training this week, he is not part of this evening's plans.
Chelsea academy star Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli is on the bench. Alonso used the 16-year-old midfielder during the club's pre-season tour and was impressed with what he saw. Reggie Watson is also at the Gtech but he is not on the squad list this evening.
Confirmed Chelsea XI: Martinez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Henderson, Barco, Chavarria; Palmer, Rogers, Welbeck
Chelsea subs: Penders, Acheampong, Gusto, Hato, Lavia, Nicoll-Jazuli, Gittens, Estevao, Quenda