Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is gearing up for a pivotal encounter with Arsenal this Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.
Both teams have kicked off their seasons with two wins, setting the stage for an exciting London derby.
In their last outing, the Blues triumphed 4-3 over Brighton. However, the joy was dampened by the injury to Moises Caicedo, who had just returned from a previous setback before having to ask for a substitution due to discomfort.
Alonso addressed Caicedo's condition, saying:
“I hope it’s nothing new and it’s not worse than last time. He was cautious and stopped, saying he didn’t feel his best. We need to assess him over the week to ensure it’s nothing serious.”
There are concerns that Caicedo could miss the derby, with Alonso promising to provide an update at Friday’s press conference.
Meanwhile, 36-year-old Jordan Henderson is yet to make his debut for the club due to a wrist injury sustained at the World Cup. Alonso is awaiting medical clearance for the Englishman.
Summer signing Marko Palistra is also currently sidelined.
Rhys James is expected to take on a central midfield role, especially following the departure of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City and the failed transfer of Lamina Kamara.
He'll be partnered with Romeo Lavia, who found the net against Brighton last week. Valentin Barco appears likely to start on the bench.
In goal, Emiliano Martinez is set to take his place, while the forward line will see the return of the trio: Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, and Joao Pedro.
Chelsea's projected lineup:
Martinez; Fofana, Lacroix, Levi Colwill; Neto, Lavia, James, Chavarria; Rogers, Palmer; Joao Pedro.
