Chelsea’s Caicedo and Palestra ruled out of Luton cup tie

Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra will miss Chelsea’s cup tie against Luton Town, although Enzo Fernandez is expected to return and new signings Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha are in contention to make their debuts.

Both players were unavailable for Chelsea’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham on the opening weekend and will not recover in time for the meeting with Luton.

Caicedo could return for Sunday’s league game against former club Brighton, while Alonso said Chelsea would need to carry out further checks on Palestra before determining when he will be available.

“Not for tomorrow, both won’t make it (against Luton),” Alonso said. “Let’s see, hopefully Moi could make it for the weekend, but we need to check a little bit more with Marco.”

There was more encouraging news for Chelsea elsewhere, with Fernandez expected to feature after training well. Goalkeeper Mike Penders could also be given an opportunity against Luton.

“Enzo, yes we expect him to be involved. He is training really well, he’s a good professional, and he will be involved,” Alonso said.

Welbeck and Emegha in contention

Welbeck and Emegha are also under consideration for their first appearances for Chelsea.

Welbeck was an unused substitute in the win over Fulham, while neither he nor Emegha played in Chelsea’s final pre-season fixture against Real Sociedad.

“Danny and Emma, yes (they will be in contention to face Luton),” Alonso said.

Jordan Henderson will have to wait longer for his Chelsea debut. Alonso said the midfielder’s return would take more time, although he was unable to provide a clearer timeframe.

“Jordan will take a little bit longer,” Alonso added. “I’m not a doctor and I don’t have the data. We need to wait until we know more.”

The match with Luton offers Alonso another opportunity to assess his squad as he works to establish his style and methods at Chelsea.

The Spaniard accepts that his side still have significant room for improvement, despite beginning the campaign with victory against Fulham, and believes the team will develop as the season progresses.

“We started our season Monday and the way we will be playing in January will be different,” Alonso said. “And I think it’s going to be better, and the next year will be even better.”

Chelsea will then face Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday, when Caicedo could be available to play against his former club.