Chelsea XI vs Brighton: Caicedo, Fernandez, Sanchez decisions loom

Chelsea are hopeful Moises Caicedo can make his first appearance of the season against Brighton this afternoon.

Caicedo suffered an injury last week in training which saw him miss wins over Fulham and Luton Town in the Premier League and Carabao Cup respectively.

But Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has said: “He is hopefully training [on Friday]. We are hopeful he can be involved. We are still checking; no decision made.”

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Defensive updates and goalkeeper decision

Levi Colwill and Geovany Quenda both missed out on the matchday squad for the 2-0 win over Luton on Thursday but there are, according to Alonso, “no issues”.

“Our plan is that they are training [Friday] preparing for Sunday. With Levi, we know three games in a week after the injury, missing a period, he needs to take the right steps. We don’t want to push him too much. So he feels comfortable.”

It remains to be seen whether Enzo Fernandez or Robert Sanchez is involved. Fernandez was expected to be in the squad against Luton but was then left out amid interest from Manchester City.

Sanchez, meanwhile, looks set to lose his place as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper now that the Blues have agreed a £7.5million deal to sign 33-year-old Emi Martinez from Aston Villa. Mike Penders made his Chelsea debut against Luton as Sanchez remained on the bench.

Alonso says he has decided who will start in goal against Brighton, but was not willing to reveal the answer.

Midfield and attack options

Cole Palmer played the full 90 minutes against Luton, perhaps surprisingly, but Alonso dismissed suggestions it meant the player would be rested against Brighton.

He is in line to start alongside Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro as Chelsea’s front three continues to bed in. In midfield, Alonso can choose from Reece James, Valentin Barco, Romeo Lavia and Caicedo if fit.

Jordan Henderson and Marco Palestra remain injured. Wesley Fofana is back from suspension and available to play competitively for the first time this season. He missed the last two games following his red card at Sunderland on the final day of last season.

Young defender Josh Acheampong will be in the squad, Alonso has said.