Xabi Alonso has explained why Pep Chavarria and Malo Gusto were both left out of the Chelsea squad for Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Pedro Neto scored both goals for Chelsea, but the full backs were absent from the matchday squad.
Chavarria's late fitness issue
It is understood that Chavarria had been set to start at left wing-back, but Jorrel Hato was named in that position instead. Chavarria was not included in the squad for the game.
Standard Sport understands that Chavarria travelled with the team but a small fitness issue forced him to drop out. In his absence, Hato assisted Neto's opening goal.
Gusto's illness
Gusto, who has made five Premier League appearances this season, was also left out of the starting lineup.
After the match, Alonso said: "Malo was ill. Pep, in the last session of training [on Friday], felt something."
Before the match, Alonso had told TNT Sports: "Pep picked up a little problem yesterday [Friday]. We are not certain of the [details] yet as it was late."
Chelsea return to action next Saturday, when they host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. Alonso will provide further updates on Gusto and Chavarria's condition ahead of that match.
