Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer is nursing a muscular injury (Image: Ryan Pierse)
View 4 Images
Xabi Alonso will be hoping to make a number of changes to his Chelsea side this weekend as the Blues welcome Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge.
That is, though, heavily dependant on whether some of the Chelsea manager's crucial players have recovered in time from their injuries. The likes of Marco Palestra and Moises Caicedo have been injured virtually all season-long; in the former's case, he is yet to play a minute and the latter has made one cameo appearance before suffering a recurrence of his calf problem.
Reece James, meanwhile, was unavailable for England selection for the recently-concluded international break due to a hamstring issue. Cole Palmer withdrew from the Three Lions squad due to a muscular injury, while Joao Pedro pulled out of Brazil duty because of a knee problem.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
It has been difficult to retrieve information on the injury front ever since Alonso arrived at the club. In that regard, the Spaniard is very similar to his long-time friend Mikel Arteta, who is also very secretive when it comes to injury news regarding his Arsenal squad.
Should football fans be allowed to drink alcohol in the stands?
Either way, Alonso will be hoping to make numerous changes to his side when Bournemouth arrive at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
Emiliano Martinez is due to train on Friday for the first time since returning from Argentina. While for some players, the lengthy travel and lack of preparation might make them a doubt for Saturday's fixture, it shouldn't affect a goalkeeper as much.
Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez
Emiliano Martinez has started four Premier League games this season(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA)
View 4 Images
Alonso likes to keep everyone guessing regarding his formation, but for the purpose of this article, we're going to presume the manager opts with a 3-4-3. If that is the case, you would expect it to be Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill and someone else.
Who that someone else will be depends on who you ask. Wesley Fofana has not started the season brilliantly, while Cobham graduate Josh Acheampong has impressed on the right-hand side of a defensive trio. The latter could come in given Chelsea's defensive problems at Brentford, where Fofana was used on the right side.
Pedro Neto could continue at right wing-back. The matches at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea are looking to be on the front foot more often than not, seem to suit the Portugal international, who returned to training on Wednesday, more than the away fixtures.
On the other side, Alonso could use Palestra for the first time in a competitive match since the Italian joined Chelsea in the summer transfer window. Palestra has missed the entirety of the campaign thus far due to a frustrating quadriceps injury but is nearing his return to action. That would mean, perhaps a tad unfairly, Pep Chavarria dropping to the bench.
Pep Chavarria
Pep Chavarria has been quietly impressive since signing for Chelsea(Image: Harvey Murphy/News Images/NurPhoto)
View 4 Images
Romeo Lavia was in fine form for Belgium over the international break and as long as Alonso doesn't feel as if the 22-year-old needs a rest, he could return to the side in place of Valentin Barco. The big question that every Chelsea supporter needs answering as soon as possible is whether Caicedo will be fit enough to take part.
Given the Ecuadorian was close to returning against Brentford in the game before the international break and the fact there have been an extra three weeks for the midfielder to recover, logic would suggest he will take part, but we will find out for sure (if he is willing to be open about team news) from Alonso in Friday's press conference.
For the sake of this article, we are going to assume Caicedo is fit enough to make his first start of the season and in turn, replace Jordan Henderson. If that is the case, do not expect the 24-year-old to play the full 90 minutes.
It is more guesswork in attacking positions, unfortunately. Joao Pedro hasn't been spotted in any of the training photos released by the club this week as he continues his recovery from a knee injury. Alonso might not want to risk him if he is not 100%, particularly with a knee problem.
Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro missed the defeat at Brentford prior to the international break due to a knee injury(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA)
View 4 Images
Danny Welbeck could keep his place as the No.9 as the 35-year-old striker looks for his first Premier League goal in Chelsea blue. Behind him is set to be Morgan Rogers on the left-hand side and potentially Estevao Willian on the other flank.
We are yet to hear the full extent of Palmer's muscular injury but Alonso is blessed to have Estevao as an option on the right wing, so he might feel as if he doesn't have to risk the former if he is not at 100%. Perhaps an option for the bench, if indeed fit enough.
Possible Chelsea XI (3-4-3): Martinez; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Lavia, Palestra; Estevao, Rogers, Welbeck
Get YOUR Chelsea Newsletter