Premier League action returns to Stamford Bridge this afternoon after three long weeks of the international break, with Chelsea hosting Bournemouth. The international break, while frustrating for many fans, came at an ideal time for Xabi Alonso as his side was hit with a burgeoning injury crisis last month. Moises Caicedo had played barely a quarter of an hour of football on the season, Reece James had done his hamstring, and Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer were both carrying injuries.
Three weeks of R&R means they are back to full strength today, though, as they face a winless Bournemouth. Marco Rose has endured a tough start to the new campaign as he struggles to fill the shoes of Andoni Iraola, taking just three points from his opening five league matches. Things will get no easier for him here in west London, either, as he faces the Blues without the benefit of Alex Scott, Justin Kluivert or Eli Junior Kroupi.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will today celebrate a new contract for Cole Palmer which was confirmed this morning. Follow the action from Stamford Bridge as it happens below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog, complete with expert insight and analysis from Dom Smith at the ground.