Xabi Alonso Confirms Injury Updates Ahead of Chelsea's Carabao Cup Clash

Xabi Alonso has ruled Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra out of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town on Wednesday, but moved to steady the noise around Enzo Fernandez.

The Chelsea head coach confirmed both Caicedo and Palestra will sit out the third-round clash, with one potentially back within days and the other facing a more uncertain spell on the sidelines.

“Both not for tomorrow,” Alonso said. “Hopefully Moi can make it for the weekend. Maybe we need to check a little bit more with Marco.”

Caicedo’s issue is not expected to keep him out for long, and there is optimism he could return in time for the weekend’s league fixture. Palestra’s situation is less clear, with the club needing further assessment before putting any timeline on his comeback.

While injuries shape part of Alonso’s selection puzzle, the bigger cloud hangs over Fernandez. Manchester City are expected to move for the Argentina international, but Alonso insisted the midfielder remains very much in his plans.

“Yes, so we expect that he’s involved, he’s trained, he’s training really well, he’s a good professional and he will be involved,” Alonso said, underlining his intention to use Fernandez despite the speculation.

Asked directly if he wants Fernandez to stay at Stamford Bridge, Alonso did not hesitate.

“We want to have the best team possible. We know his qualities, he has shown it and we have to wait, but we will think about tomorrow and let’s see how things develop.”

Injuries on one side, a potential marquee exit on the other. Alonso walks into the Luton tie juggling both – and knowing the shape of his midfield by the end of the week could say a lot about where Chelsea are really heading this season.