Chelsea XI vs Everton: James fitness doubt, team news and lineup

All eyes are on whether Reece James will be fit for Chelsea’s trip to Everton on Saturday.

There was good news ahead of the Blues’ 5-1 win over Bournemouth last weekend when manager Xabi Alonso revealed that Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Marco Palestra and James were all back fit and ready to feature against the Cherries.

But while the first four did all play in the game at Stamford Bridge, James was not even named in the matchday squad.

Knee injury setback

Alonso explained afterwards that it was due to a small knee injury he had picked up in training the day before the game.

It remains to be seen whether the Chelsea captain is passed fit in time for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Alonso is expected to give a new update when he holds his pre-match press conference at Cobham, which is expected to take place on Friday afternoon.

Midfield and defensive options

Alonso can choose from Valentin Barco or Romeo Lavia as partners to Moises Caicedo in the double pivot in midfield but may feel the smart decision is to stick with Jordan Henderson.

The 36-year-old scored two stunning goals and assisted another on his home debut for Chelsea against Bournemouth.

Alonso has options on the right of defence and can pick Wesley Fofana or stick with Josh Acheampong. Palestra is an option at right wing-back, where Pedro Neto was often the starter while the Italian was out injured.

On the opposite flank, Jorrel Hato offers competition for Pep Chavarria.

Attack and injuries

Alonso has not handed much game time to Geovany Quenda or Estevao in Chelsea’s first five Premier League games of the season.

Chelsea’s menacing front three of Joao Pedro, Palmer and Morgan Rogers will be expected to lead the line against David Moyes’s side.

Left winger Jamie Gittens is still out after he suffered an ankle injury on international duty with England’s Under-21s. He will be sidelined for “a few weeks”, according to Alonso.