Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso ahead of Fulham vs Chelsea(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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In many ways, Xabi Alonso's Friday press conference will be his most eagerly anticipated yet.
After three weeks off, Chelsea supporters are desperate for the return of club football and when Alonso speaks to the media a little over 24 hours before his side's clash with Bournemouth, normality will resume.
There are two main topics - both of them completely different - that spring to mind for Alonso's press conference, which is due to begin at 1:30pm (UK time). Manchester City and everything going on there after the Premier League released a statement on September 29 saying they found the club guilty of all charges relating to the competition's financial rules, and the latest on the injury front relating to his Chelsea squad.
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Albeit the latter is way less serious than the former, there is still a lot of uncertainty that Alonso will hopefully clear up. Although, the Chelsea manager hasn't exactly been open when it comes to providing team news ahead of a fixture. So, we'll see on that front.
If Alonso is feeling generous, though, we could hear a seven-player update on Friday afternoon at the club's Cobham-based training ground.
Marco Palestra seems to be fit and available given he has spent the last few weeks back in first-team training. The Italy international is still waiting to make his competitive debut for the Blues after suffering with a frustrating quadriceps injury in the early part of his maiden campaign in the Premier League.
Danny Welbeck and Marco Palestra in Chelsea training
Danny Welbeck and Marco Palestra in Chelsea training(Image: Chelsea Football Club)
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We are also expecting an update on midfielder Moises Caicedo, who has only played 14 minutes since the start of the season. The 24-year-old has suffered with a persistent calf issue over the last month or so but was close to returning to the squad for the defeat against Brentford prior to the international break.
Emmanuel Emegha has been spotted in training in recent days with the Dutchman also looking to make his senior debut for the west Londoners. The 23-year-old striker is yet to feature for Chelsea after signing from Strasbourg in the summer due to a hamstring injury.
In terms of fresh(er) injuries, Alonso has a few concerns to contend with. Jamie Gittens pulled out of international duty with England Under-21s, leaving the stadium on crutches after being taken off. Lee Carsley confirmed that it was an ankle problem for Gittens, who has been riddled with injury issues since signing for Chelsea last summer from Borussia Dortmund.
Jamie Gittens
Jamie Gittens sustained an ankle injury over the international break(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA)
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Joao Pedro pulled out of Brazil duty over the international break due to a knee injury he sustained before the Blues' defeat to Brentford last month. The 25-year-old forward has not been spotted in any of the club's training photos in recent days, and neither has Cole Palmer.
The 24-year-old withdrew from the England squad due to a muscular injury. Palmer spent some time in the Caribbean working with a specialist fitness coach as part of his rehabilitation, in collaboration with Chelsea, sources say.
Palmer has since been spotted, via social media, with his girlfriend enjoying a few days at Coworth Park, a luxury five-star hotel based in Dorchester. Alonso should give an update on the fitness of Palmer when he faces the media on Friday.
As should be the case with Chelsea captain Reece James. The 26-year-old was unavailable to be called up by Thomas Tuchel due to a hamstring injury. Alonso is expected to be cautious with James given his injury history, particularly with hamstring issues.