Xabi Alonso Provides Injury Update on Caicedo and Palestra Ahead of Carabao Cup

Xabi Alonso has ruled Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra out of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town on Wednesday – but expects Enzo Fernandez to feature despite the noise around his future.

Caicedo will sit out the cup clash but is aiming to be back in time for the weekend’s league fixture.

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

Palestra’s situation is less clear, with the club set to run further checks before deciding when the defender can return.

The selection setback comes against the backdrop of mounting speculation over Fernandez, with Manchester City expected to move for the Argentina international before the window closes. For now, Alonso is planning with him, not without him.

“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,” the Chelsea head coach said.

Pressed on whether 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, rumours, a cup tie under the lights – Alonso’s first real juggling act of the season is already taking shape.