Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Photo by BRUNO FAHY / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by BRUNO FAHY / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
Split image with four players, which includes: Bruno Guimaraes, Lamine Camara, Alex Scott and Manu Kone
Credit: Getty Images
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Caicedo was also absent for Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford just before the international break and has only played one game this season.
With Caicedo unavailable and no replacement brought in for Enzo Fernandez, Xabi Alonso was forced to start new signing Valentin Barco and 36-year-old Jordan Henderson at the Gtech Community Stadium. It did not quite work out on that night, so with that in mind, what combo should Alonso now consider?
Xabi Alonso should try Reece James and Jordan Henderson double pivot
Henderson is an amazing professional who has been in the game long enough to know how to bounce back from a poor display. Alonso should not necessarily drop him just because of one underwhelming performance, especially with his lack of options right now.
He can still bring a lot to the pitch. The England international is a great passer and leader. In terms of his partner, Reece James should get the nod.
James missed the Brentford loss because of injury, but it was only thought to be a minor issue and he should be available for the Bournemouth clash. The truth is that while the 26-year-old did have some solid games in midfield last season, it has not worked out for him there this term.
However, again, Alonso’s options are limited, and James still has attributes that can help him to thrive in the middle of the park. The Chelsea captain can tackle, pass and protect the ball with his big frame.
How he would work in a midfield pivot alongside Henderson remains to be seen. But at this stage, Alonso just has to keep experimenting until something clicks.
Chelsea are at the front of the queue for Alex Scott. Hopefully they can sign him in January or another midfielder to improve the midfield situation.