Chelsea FC have a pretty fit squad right now, and that’s a great thing, as fixture congestion is already here. Chelsea fell, 2-1, to Arsenal yesterday but there is little time to stew on that as a League Cup tie comes this Wednesday, at home to Leeds United. Jordan Henderson remains out, as he recovers from his wrist injury. Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra (both with undisclosed injuries) remain doubtful for midweek.
And given how it’s only a Carabao Cup clash, they are both almost certain to miss out on this one.
EFL Cup Third Round
Chelsea vs Leeds United
Kickoff: Wed Sept 9, 8pm
Interview with Leeds Star Brenden Aaronson: go here
Chelsea Preview Material: Team News Predicted XI
Blues Team News
“He was close but, as well, there is no point in taking too many risks at this moment,”manager Xabi Alonso said in postgame yesterday.
“Maybe we went too early vs BHA (with his return to action against his former club), so we need to be cautious.”
As for Palestra, he provided his own fitness update on Friday: “I’m fine, it’s still a few days away, but I feel much better.” By that timeline, it is much more likely his return comes on Saturday, at home against Hull City in the league.
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.