Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Levi Colwill is fit and available for Chelsea's Carabao Cup third-round tie against Leeds United, but four players will remain out of the squad.
The Blues are looking to bounce back after their first defeat of the season, a loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. They get an immediate chance to return to winning ways tomorrow evening against a familiar rival.
Games between Chelsea and Leeds always carry extra weight, and with a place in the fourth round on the line, the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is set to be intense.
Colwill was an unused substitute against Arsenal because of a fitness issue. Alonso said in his pre-match press conference that the defender, who knows the rivalry well and has experience in this fixture, is ready to be called upon again.
However, Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra will not feature. Alonso said neither player is ready to return to action.
"No, not yet," the Blues manager replied when asked if the duo were available against Leeds. "They are still not ready to go, and it's not the moment to take an early risk. So we go game by game with them, but it's too early."
Alonso also confirmed that summer signings Emmanuel Emegha and Jordan Henderson remain sidelined. He admitted it has been frustrating not to have Palestra available in the opening fixtures, especially given how the Italian international performed in pre-season.
"It's especially [frustrating] for him," the Blues boss said. "He came with huge energy, huge desire to enjoy his game in the Premier League. He had a very good pre-season and a few days before the first game against Fulham, he picked up an injury.
"It's part of the life of a football player to come back from injury and we will need him for sure. He has great potential and will add a lot of good qualities we need in the team."
Source: www.chelseafc.com — Read the original article
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