Pep Chavarria was a surprise absentee for Chelsea against Everton.
Chavarria joined three other Chelsea players who were declared unavailable for Everton.More Videos
Xabi Alonso has explained why Pep Chavarria was missing from Chelsea's Premier League clash against Everton.
The 28-year-old has been ever present in Chelsea's side this season after joining from Rayo Vallecano in the summer.
Chavarria featured in all six of Chelsea's opening six league games, but was a noticeable absentee from the matchday squad against Everton on Saturday afternoon at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Jorrel Hato came in to the side to replace the Spaniard. If he were available, Alonso would likely have named an unchanged side from the team that thumped Bournemouth 5-1 last weekend.
Speaking with TNT Sports ahead of the clash on Merseyside, Alonso confirmed: "He picked up a little problem yesterday (Friday). We are not certain yet of the situation because it was late yesterday. Jorrel is fit, he's played there so just that change."
Hato featured in Chelsea's first four league fixtures before being an unused substitute against Brentford and Bournemouth.
Chavarria wasn't the only unexpected absence from the team sheet to face Everton. Malo Gusto also missed the matchday squad. Alonso will likely be questioned about the reason for the Frenchman's omission.
With Reece James' injury layoff of around three months due to a knee problem picked up in training, Chelsea will hope Chavarria's minor issue isn't a big one and doesn't require an extended time on the sidelines.
He has made a promising start to his life at Chelsea after switching from Spain, becoming a popular figure under Alonso.
Fortunately for Chelsea, they have short-term options to replace Chavarria. Hato plays against Everton, and Geovany Quenda can also operate as a wing-back if needed.
What other injury problems do Chelsea have?
Alonso is also currently without Jamie Gittens and Emmanuel Emegha.
Gittens picked up an injury whilst on England Under-21s duty during the recent international break and is not expected to return for at least a few more weeks, Alonso confirmed.
Meanwhile, Emegha is the only summer Chelsea signing yet to make his official debut for the club. He is working his way back to full fitness and is set to train next week with his teammates to support and step up his comeback.
Fortunately for Chelsea, in attack, their front three, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro, have meant Alonso hasn't needed as many backups so far this season, given their lethal form in the opening months.