Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday when they welcome Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge, with Xabi Alonso assessing his squad after the extended international break.
The Blues will be eager to return to winning ways following their 3-0 defeat to Brentford before the international fixtures, and the break has given Alonso additional time to work with players who remained at Cobham while several others represented their countries.
However, the short turnaround for returning internationals means preparations have had to intensify in recent days. The break has also provided an opportunity for injured players to continue their rehabilitation, although Chelsea have emerged with some fitness concerns ahead of the weekend fixture.
Speaking to the media before the Bournemouth match, Alonso provided updates on several important players, with Moises Caicedo closing in on a return and Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro still requiring attention.
Moises Caicedo
Injury: Calf
Caicedo is ready to return after working on his fitness during the international break. The midfielder initially suffered the problem during pre-season before aggravating it when he attempted to make his comeback against Brighton in August.
Chelsea subsequently managed his recovery carefully, with Alonso explaining that the club did not want to take unnecessary risks with the Ecuador international.
Yes, he’s ready to go. We have used the time with Moi to get him back fit. He’s ready to go
Alonso said.
The Chelsea manager also highlighted the midfielder’s importance to the team, admitting that his absence had been felt.
Any team missing a player of his quality, his dynamic, we have missed him for sure. We are happy he is back, and he feels better. We didn’t want to take risks for Brentford, for example. He feels much better.
Caicedo’s return would provide Chelsea with a significant boost in midfield as they prepare to face Bournemouth.
Cole Palmer
Injury: Muscular problem
Palmer remains a concern after withdrawing from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad during the international break because of a muscular injury.
The attacking midfielder had initially been selected for international duty but was unable to join the squad after the problem emerged. He subsequently spent part of the break in the Caribbean working with a specialist fitness coach as he continued his recovery.
Chelsea will be keen to establish whether Palmer is fit enough to feature against Bournemouth, given his importance to their attacking play. However, the available update does not confirm whether he will be available for Saturday’s match.
Joao Pedro
Injury: Knee
Joao Pedro missed Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford before the international break because of a knee injury, which also forced him to withdraw from Brazil’s squad.
The forward spent the break consulting a specialist in an effort to accelerate his recovery and improve his chances of returning to action.
His availability will be another important consideration for Alonso as Chelsea prepare for Bournemouth. With the Brazilian having missed the previous fixture, the club will need to assess his progress before making a final decision on his involvement.
Chelsea injury picture ahead of Bournemouth
Caicedo’s return offers encouragement for Chelsea, but Palmer and Joao Pedro remain the key fitness questions heading into Saturday’s game.
Alonso will hope the time spent working at Cobham during the international break has helped his squad recover and prepare for the resumption of the Premier League. The final decisions on Palmer and Joao Pedro will depend on their condition ahead of kick-off.
