The confirmed team news from Stamford Bridge as Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso welcomes back a host of crucial players for this afternoon's fixture with Bournemouth
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer warms up ahead of Brentford vs Chelsea(Image: Ryan Pierse)
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Moises Caicedo is named in a Chelsea starting XI for the first time this season, while Cole Palmer is also included against Bournemouth after recovering from a groin injury.
Caicedo has struggled with a persistent calf issue in the early part of the campaign, meaning he has just 14 minutes to his name thus far. Caicedo, though, is one of a number of players making their return to the Blues side this afternoon.
Palmer, who committed his future to Chelsea earlier in the day with a contract extension until 2034, is also in the starting line-up after an injury scare following the defeat to the Bees last month. Xabi Alonso confirmed in Friday's press conference that Palmer, who pulled out of the England squad, was because he felt something in his groin - the area he struggled with throughout last season.
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Marco Palestra has been named in the starting line-up and is set to make his Chelsea debut against Bournemouth. The Italy international, signed from Atalanta for £47million over the summer transfer window, was unavailable for selection up until now because of a problem relating to his quadriceps.
Joao Pedro also returns to the side after the Chelsea forward missed the defeat at Brentford due to a knee injury, and also pulled out of the Brazil squad for the recently-concluded international break.
However, Reece James has not been included in the matchday squad. The Chelsea captain was unavailable for England over the international break due to a hamstring issue. Alonso said on Friday that James was fit enough to take part today but he has been left out of the squad.
Chelsea XI vs Bournemouth: Martinez; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Henderson, Chavarria; Palmer, Rogers, Joao Pedro