Chelsea’s return to the Premier League against AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday comes with a positive medical update as Xabi Alonso prepares his squad after a three-week international break. The game starts at 3pm BST, and neither team has any suspensions, so fitness is the only factor. The hosts are 10th in the table with seven points, while the visitors are 17th and searching for their first league victory under Marco Rose.
Who’s Fit For Chelsea?
Alonso has said the break was too long, but it has given his medical staff time to recover key players. He confirmed that Moisés Caicedo was over the calf complaint that cropped up during pre-season and was aggravated against Brighton. Alonso said the club was not prepared to gamble on the midfielder against Brentford and preferred to wait.
Reece James, Cole Palmer, João Pedro and Marco Palestra have all trained and are fit, Alonso said. Four of that quintet missed the 3-0 defeat at Brentford, so their return is timely. João Pedro, who has been consulting a specialist over a knee problem, deserves special mention.
Jamie Gittens is the big absentee, having suffered an ankle injury while with England Under-21s, which will keep him out until at least the end of October. Geovany Quenda and Estêvão have had little opportunity in the league, which may limit Alonso’s options at wide positions. Alonso did not mention Emmanuel Emegha, who is still waiting to make his debut after a hamstring injury during pre-season.
Their availability gives Alonso plenty of options as he switches between a 3-4-2-1 and a 4-2-3-1 this season. Palmer has two goals and two assists, while Morgan Rogers and João Pedro both have three goals, so the attack looks well stocked.
Who’s Fit For Bournemouth?
Marco Rose confirmed that Alex Scott will be out for four to five weeks with a muscle injury he sustained on England duty, meaning the Cherries will be without a major source of progression and control. Scott, who played in England’s 7-0 win over Croatia, was once a Chelsea target, but the Cherries reportedly rejected a £64 million offer. Eli Junior Kroupi is also unavailable.
Julian Araujo has a thigh problem and Justin Kluivert a muscle complaint, while Veljko Milosavljevic, Amine Adli and David Brooks are all viewed as doubtful. Rose said some players could return within a week or two, although he warned that fresh problems were always likely.
Bournemouth, winless in five league games, can ill afford new setbacks against an opponent with so many reinforcements returning. They have also conceded in all five league fixtures, another problem. Midfield selection will be the most interesting part of Rose’s team sheet.