Xabi Alonso, Manager of Chelsea, celebrates
Photo by Lewis Storey CFC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Xabi Alonso has had to contend with a lot more injuries than he would have liked since becoming Chelsea manager. Currently, the Blues boss is without four key players ahead of a trip to Sunderland.
Maxence Lacroix looks set to be ruled out until 2027, with the French defender suffering a hamstring injury in the penalty shootout loss to Liverpool. He joins a long list of key players currently sidelined.
Emi Martinez is closing in on a return, while Reece James and Joao Pedro are missing. Pedro was not called up by Brazil, but Martinez and Aaron Anselmino are in the Argentina squad, with Valentin Barco.
READ MORE: Chelsea are watching a player Joe Cole compared to Paolo Maldini last season
Chelsea have suffered an enormous 22 injuries already
Sky Sports claim Chelsea have already suffered a total of 22 injuries. Only one club has picked up more knocks, and that is newly-promoted Hull City. The average sustained by clubs so far is a measly 15.3.
According to Premier Injuries, the average number of injuries suffered by Premier League clubs in 2024-25 was 29.7 injuries. This means Chelsea are already a whopping 74% of the way to reaching that figure.
What is Chelsea's best XI when everyone is fit? Here is our team! – What do you think?
I don't think anyone would question the midfield or forwards based on what we have seen so far this season, but if Estevao does not deliver or track back then Neto gets in. Defence is the main issue and Josh has to play IMO. My doubt is Reece because of his ftness
James might be the best right-back in the world when fit. And he’s our captain. He has to start IMO
That attack could honestly cook🔥
Currently, Alonso is without some of his core players. Maxence Lacroix and Reece James are expected to be out until 2027, while Pedro and Martinez’s absences have been felt. Jamie Gittens is still sidelined.
Marco Palestra, Pep Chavarria, Jordan Henderson, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, and others have also picked up injuries this season. Yet, Alonso has guided Chelsea to fourth place, 16 points from nine.
Xabi Alonso is performing miracles as Chelsea manager
At times this season, Alonso has come under pressure. Going into Saturday’s game against Man United, there was real pressure on the Spaniard after Chelsea had been beaten by Tottenham and Liverpool.
The 3-0 loss at Brentford saw some fans question his managerial mettle, with Gary Lineker even claiming he could come under pressure if he suffered a few more losses like the one at the G-Tech Stadium.
Yet, Alonso is performing miracles. He is constantly watching his players pick up injuries, whether that be in training, in matches or when they are on international duty – Gittens, with England’s U21s, for example.
Despite the constant setbacks and losing key players, and having to look after the load of those that are fit, Cole Palmer was withdrawn from the England squad – Alonso is still making Chelsea very competitive.
As things stand, Chelsea sit in fourth and could solidify their position in the Champions League places with an away win over Sunderland on Sunday. But Alonso deserves huge praise for his start at Chelsea.