Chelsea fans worried as star player misses game - Source: Getty
Chelsea fans worried as star player misses game - Source: Getty
Chelsea fans are left worried as Jordan Henderson misses the Manchester United clash. The new signing has played a key role this season, but is not in the squad for the match at Stamford Bridge.
Xabi Alonso has kept faith in Mike Penders in goal, with Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill starting in the backline ahead of him. The manager has handed Marco Palestra his first start in the Premier League, with Pedro Neto on the opposite flank.
Moises Caicedo captains the side today, with Romeo Lavia supporting in midfield. The duo are sitting deep today, with Estevao Willian, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers leading the attack.
Chelsea fans are delighted with the starting XI but are questioning Henderson's absence. Many posted:
Alonso spoke about the Manchester United clash ahead of the game, saying that his players were looking for a quick bounce back after losing the last two matches across competitions. He said:
"Yeah, we are back in Premier League mode, and that's, for me, the main competition for us this year and almost every year, I would say. And it's a big one. It's one that we didn't have that [much] time to prepare, but it's really important after the last home game that we had, that we keep winning games, that we have this winning feeling. And we know that every game is tough, and we are expecting that."
Apart from Henderson, Chelsea are also without Reece James, Joao Pedro, Max Lacroix, Jorrel Hato and Emiliano Martinez today.
Xabi Alonso heaps praise on Chelsea star ahead of Manchester United clash
Xabi Alonso spoke about Estevao Willian ahead of the match, saying that the Brazilian was ready to start matches. He believes that the Chelsea youngster needed time to get back to his best and said:
"Yeah, sure, he will play. The season is long and there will be moments for everyone. It's a process for the team, for Este, for myself, but I'm sure that in the season he will have his games, his minutes. And we are still early in the season, but he will be there."
"Yeah, it's not about attitude. It's been about the context of games; it's been about the start of the season, and he's a great guy. He really wants his adaptation after the first year of injury, but we are still in October, and he will be important."
Estevao Willian was an unused substitute in the last two matches, but starts today.