Chelsea face an anxious wait over the fitness of one of their key players ahead of Sunday’s trip to Arsenal, although Xabi Alonso has provided encouraging signs over his availability.
With just one training session remaining before the London derby, the Chelsea manager has confirmed that the player could be fit enough to feature from the bench.
"We will check tomorrow. Tomorrow is the last session for the squad on Sunday."
Moises Caicedo is a doubt for the game after returning from an injury against Brighton last weekend too soon and coming off after featuring for 14 minutes as a substitute.
The Ecuador captain missed the first two games of the season against Fulham and Luton, and his absence was keenly felt in the Premier League, as both opponents exploited the space in midfield and played through Chelsea with ease.
Without ruling anyone out of the game, Alonso reiterated that tomorrow will be a crucial day in determining his starting XI.
"We need to not worry about the things that happen. We will make the final decision tomorrow."
Again during his media duties, Alonso discussed the midfield options at his disposal, highlighting the “energy” of Valentin Barco and the “composure and mentality” of Jordan Henderson as alternative options.
With Reece James and Romeo Lavia also set to have played fewer games due to Chelsea’s absence from European competition, Alonso remains optimistic about the quality, depth and variety of his midfield options, particularly if Caicedo is forced to miss Sunday’s trip to Arsenal.
Should the former Brighton enforcer miss out, Lavia appears the most likely option to step in for this game. With Reece James and Jordan Henderson still building up their match fitness, there is also a possibility that Barco could move into the position, allowing Alonso to retain more attacking firepower ahead of him.
We will have to wait and see which starting XI Alonso opts for as he prepares to face his international compatriot in the opposite dugout.
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