Alonso: there is no point risking the Chelsea star against Arsenal

The Spanish coach refuses to take the risk

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has revealed why Levi Colwill and Moisés Caicedo were left out of the Blues' starting line-up against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, in the third round of the Premier League.

Alonso has made a winning start, seeing off Fulham (3-2) and Brighton (4-3) in his first two games. Arsenal, meanwhile, beat Coventry City (3-0) and Aston Villa (1-0).

Colwill drops to the substitutes' bench after starting the first two matches. Caicedo misses out on the squad altogether.

Speaking to "Sky Sports" minutes before kick-off, Alonso said: "Colwill is not in the starting line-up because he suffered minor discomfort during the week."

On Caicedo's absence, he explained, according to the "BBC": "He was close to playing. But there is no point in taking a risk at this moment. We have to be careful."

Turning to his friendship with Mikel Arteta, Alonso concluded: "I am looking forward to seeing him. But once the referee blows his whistle, the match will begin."