Chelsea will be without injured duo Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra for their Carabao Cup clash with Luton Town on Thursday. The Blues began their season with a 3-2 win at Fulham in the Premier League on Monday night, with Joao Pedro, new signing Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer on the scoresheet in the west London derby.
Alonso explains setbacks
New boss Xabi Alonso was without Caicedo and Palestra for the opener, having said they suffered 'setbacks' in the build-up. 'During the week they had a few setbacks,' said the Spaniard after beating Fulham. 'With Moi – and with any [player] – we don't want to take too much risk. They weren't ready to play tonight. We need to go week-by-week but for tonight they were not ready.'
Neither has recovered in time for the meeting with Luton at Stamford Bridge, and Palestra may also miss Sunday's match against Brighton, although Caicedo could return.
Penders in contention
'Not for tomorrow, both won't make it,' Alonso told a press conference on Wednesday afternoon. 'Let's see, hopefully Moi could make it for the weekend, but we need to check a little bit more with Marco. Otherwise everyone from Monday is okay, Cole [Palmer] is absolutely fine.'
After a poor performance against Fulham, there has been speculation over the future of Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, with Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. Mike Penders is currently second choice behind Sanchez but may get a chance against Luton.
'Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity,' said Alonso. 'We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first.' On Manchester City-linked Enzo Fernandez, he added: 'Enzo, yes we expect him to be involved. He is training really well, he's a good professional, and he will be involved.'
