Habi Alonso spoke to reporters ahead of Chelsea's home match against Luton in the second round of the League Cup, scheduled for Thursday at Stamford Bridge.
The manager addressed the status of injured players, potential changes to the starting lineup, and the club's approach as the transfer window draws to a close.
Alonso was asked about the latest on Moises Caicedo and Marco Palastre—will they be fit to play?
No, neither of them will play tomorrow. We'll see. I hope Mo can return by the weekend, but it might take a bit longer for Marco.
Have there been any new injury concerns following Monday's match?
No.
Is Cole Palmer doing alright?
Yes.
Liam Delap is moving to Nottingham Forest. Is this a good move for everyone involved?
I don't comment on matters that haven't been officially finalised.
What can Chelsea fans expect from the starting lineup for tomorrow’s match? Will there be many changes?
I'll say this: this season, with our schedule packed with all competitions, every cup and match matters to us. We want to field the most competitive squad for the game against Luton, showing the appropriate respect for both the opponent and the tournament. Luton will be our first opponent in the League Cup.
If a player wants to leave, is it important to allow that, provided the club is satisfied with the deal's terms?
It's always essential to consider the context, the situation, timings, and circumstances. There's no one-size-fits-all rule.
You need to understand how everything has evolved, what you want now, and what you want for the future. I don't have hard and fast rules. Each situation needs to be evaluated on its own merits.
If a key player leaves the team, will you need to bring in a replacement?
We assess the entire squad as a unit. We need a good balance in terms of quality, positions, and player characters. We consider everything and are prepared for any outcome.
