Chelsea wait on trio before Brentford test
Predicted Chelsea XI for Brentford includes Emiliano Martínez, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill in defence, Reece James in midfield and Danny Welbeck up front amid injury doubts.
Romeo Lavia praised Chelsea’s front three under Alonso, saying watching Morgan Rogers, João Pedro and Cole Palmer is ‘honestly amazing’ and makes midfielders’ jobs easier.
A preview backs a 2-2 draw as Chelsea head to Brentford with defensive concerns, a possible João Pedro absence and Danny Welbeck tipped to lead the line.
Andrey Santos has played only 83 Premier League minutes for Manchester United since leaving Chelsea for £50m, fuelling doubts over the move.
Cole Palmer is in line for an England recall after four goals and two assists for Chelsea, with Thomas Tuchel weighing his Nations League squad options.
Alonso kept Chelsea guessing before Brentford, saying João Pedro, Moisés Caicedo and Reece James are not ruled out, with final decisions to come after training.
Alonso welcomed Behdad Eghbali’s greater control at Chelsea, saying it is good that ‘the main one is clear’ after Clearlake bought out Todd Boehly and Mark Walter.
Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro says their ideal winter plan is to sell Folarin Balogun and keep Lamine Camara until the end of the season, a blow to Chelsea's interest.
Chelsea are reportedly leading the chase in England for JJ Gabriel, but the Manchester United 15-year-old has held positive talks with Real Madrid and Barcelona over a move abroad.
Alonso persuaded Josh Acheampong to stay and promised him a role, with the defender now a regular in Chelsea’s back line.
Dimitar Berbatov named Cole Palmer as the Premier League’s best first touch, with the Chelsea attacker already on four goals and two assists.
Brentford boss Keith Andrews expects an ‘enthralling’ derby, while Alonso warned Chelsea face a big challenge against a complete side who are strong at home.
Chelsea are again linked with Adam Wharton, with Fabrizio Romano saying a January move is not ruled out, though Crystal Palace's £80m price would make a deal difficult.
Alonso said Chelsea have improved their balance of maturity, experience, talent and energy ahead of Brentford.
Chelsea are reportedly scouting Palmeiras' youth sides, including at Under-12 level, as they look for more talent in Brazil.
Xabi Alonso says Chelsea must find the right balance after conceding 12 goals in six games, and believes they will become more solid with time.
