Xabi Alonso has sparked concerns surrounding Levi Colwill’s fitness after leaving the defender out of the starting lineup to face Arsenal on Sunday.
Chelsea took an early lead at the Emirates but ultimately succumbed to a 2-1 defeat following goals on either side of half-time from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.
Selection explained
Alonso’s starting lineup at the Emirates caused some confusion, with Colwill dropping out of the back three to be replaced by 20-year-old academy product Josh Acheampong.
And speaking ahead of kick-off, Alonso confirmed he was pushed into the decision, with Colwill not quite at full fitness after picking up a problem in training.
Asked by Sky Sports whether the move was down to form, Alonso responded: “Fitness. Levi had a little thing during the week, so we wanted not to take a risk at this stage of the season.”
Injury concern
The nature of his problem is not entirely clear, though it is not thought to be serious given Colwill still featured on the substitutes’ bench. He was spotted warming up at half-time, but was never introduced. It remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to feature against Leeds as they visit Stamford Bridge in midweek Carabao Cup action.
The news comes with Chelsea already missing Moises Caicedo, Marco Palestra and Jordan Henderson through injury.
Caicedo is yet to start a competitive match for Chelsea this season but came off the bench against Brighton last weekend. He lasted just 14 minutes of that match before being forced off again, though, with Alonso later conceding he had been rushed back to the pitch too soon.
