'We signed Jordan Henderson for everything', says Xabi Alonso after midfielder's stupendous brace
The Blues confirmed on the eve of the game that their influential captain had undergone successful minor surgery on a knee injury suffered in training during the recent international break.
“Reece has already begun his road to recovery and will be supported by the club's medical department at Cobham during this rehabilitation phase,” Chelsea said in a statement.
However, while the first four all featured in that rout, James was a surprise absentee with a knee problem picked up at Cobham.
He had previously missed the 3-0 defeat by Brentford with a hamstring injury that also ruled him out of England squad selection for the Nations League.
Alonso can choose from Valentin Barco or Romeo Lavia as partners to Caicedo in the double midfield pivot against Everton, but he may feel the smart decision is to stick with Jordan Henderson.
The 36-year-old scored two stunning goals and assisted another on his home debut for Chelsea against Bournemouth.
Alonso has options on the right of defence and can pick Wesley Fofana or stick with Josh Acheampong. Palestra is an option at right wing-back, where Pedro Neto was often the starter while the Italian was out injured.
Alonso has not handed much game time to Geovany Quenda or Estevao in Chelsea’s first six Premier League games of the season.
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The menacing front three of Joao Pedro, Palmer and Morgan Rogers will all be expected to start against Everton.
Left winger Jamie Gittens is still out after he suffered an ankle injury on international duty with England’s Under-21s last month. He will be sidelined for “a few weeks” yet, according to Alonso.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs Everton (3-4-2-1): Martinez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Palestra, Caicedo, Henderson, Chavarria; Rogers, Palmer; Joao Pedro
Injured: James, Gittens, Emegha
Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium