Overview
- Xabi Alonso said on Friday that Moisés Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Reece James, João Pedro and Marco Palestra have returned to training and are available for selection for Saturday’s match against Bournemouth.
- Caicedo has recovered from a calf problem that limited him to 14 minutes of competitive football this season and has been managed through specialist-led rehabilitation at Cobham.
- Cole Palmer pulled out of England duty to treat a recurring groin/pubalgia issue and Alonso says the player is committed to England and now fit to play for Chelsea.
- Winger Jamie Gittens is unavailable after injuring his ankle with England Under-21s and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
- The availability boost follows a 22‑day break after the 3-0 defeat at Brentford and gives Alonso more tactical flexibility during a congested spell of fixtures as Chelsea sit 10th in the Premier League.