Xabi Alonso Confirms Caicedo and Palestra Out for Chelsea vs Luton

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 nerves around Enzo Fernandez as speculation over his future gathers pace.

Caicedo out for Luton, racing for weekend return

Chelsea will have to navigate the cup clash without Caicedo, with the midfielder targeting a quick return in time for the weekend’s league fixture.

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

Caicedo’s absence strips energy and bite from Chelsea’s midfield for the visit of Luton, yet Alonso’s optimism over a swift comeback underlines the belief that this is a short-term setback rather than a longer lay-off.

Palestra’s situation is less clear. The club will run further checks before any timeline is set, leaving Alonso without another option as he shuffles his squad for the domestic cup.

Fernandez to play amid Manchester City interest

While injuries force changes, Alonso is planning around Enzo Fernandez as normal, even with Manchester City expected to move for the Argentina international.

“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.

The noise around Fernandez is growing, but Alonso’s stance is blunt. Asked if he wants the midfielder to stay at Stamford Bridge, he didn’t 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.”

For now, that means Fernandez in the XI, Caicedo watching on, and Alonso trying to push Chelsea through a cup tie while one of his key men sits at the centre of the window’s next big saga.