LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Joao Pedro of Chelsea looks on during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Hull City at Stamford Bridge on September 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Joao Pedro of Chelsea looks on during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Hull City at Stamford Bridge on September 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Joao Pedro is firmly in contention to return from injury for Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth on Saturday with Cole Palmer also available.
Pedro has had a blistering start to the season with three goals in four appearances leading the line.
He rescued a point for Chelsea at home to Hull but it later emerged the Brazil international had picked up a knee injury, missing his side’s dismal 3-0 defeat to Brentford just before the international break.
Having been initially recalled to Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, Pedro pulled out of the squad, receiving treatment for his knee issue having also visited a specialist.
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Reports in Brazil suggested the injury could sideline him for up to four weeks.
But speaking ahead of the visit of Bournemouth, Alonso revealed his striker has trained well and is in contention to start.
Reece James, Moises Caicedo and Palmer were also part of that group who are ‘ready to go.’
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team???s fourth goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on August 30, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team???s fourth goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on August 30, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
‘Yes, they have been able to train, some of them more than others,’ Alonso said. ‘Marco Palestra as well. That was the plan. They have trained well and they are ready to go.’
[BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Chelsea's Cole Palmer during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brentford and Chelsea FC at Gtech Community Stadium on September 18, 2026 in Brentford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Chelsea's Cole Palmer during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brentford and Chelsea FC at Gtech Community Stadium on September 18, 2026 in Brentford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)](https://metro.co.uk/2026/10/08/cole-palmer-injury-update-ahead-chelsea-vs-bournemouth-29690697/)
Palmer has played almost every minute of Chelsea’s Premier League campaign so far but withdrew from the England squad in September.
He was among a number of England players to pull out but Thomas Tuchel specifically noted the former Manchester City youngster ‘misses way too many England camps’.
Palmer struggled with a chronic groin injury last season with his game time often managed as part of his long-term rehabilitation.
Editorial use ONLY. No model release available. NO UNPAID USE. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Philip Sharkey/TGS Photo/Shutterstock (17179526i) Tyson Fury (L) and Anthony Joshua during a Press Conference at British Airways ARC on 30th September 2026 Fury vs Joshua Press Conference, Boxing, Olympia, London, UK - 30 Sep 2026
Editorial use ONLY. No model release available. NO UNPAID USE. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Philip Sharkey/TGS Photo/Shutterstock (17179526i) Tyson Fury (L) and Anthony Joshua during a Press Conference at British Airways ARC on 30th September 2026 Fury vs Joshua Press Conference, Boxing, Olympia, London, UK - 30 Sep 2026