Xabi Alonso has confirmed Danny Welbeck and those Chelsea players who featured at the World Cup will all be available for selection for the club’s Premier League opener away at Fulham on Monday night.
Welbeck's fitness confirmed
Welbeck signed from Brighton earlier this summer but trained alone on Thursday, sparking concerns as to his fitness. Alonso, though, has confirmed he will be fit and available to make his competitive debut at Craven Cottage despite a minor issue.
"He can be involved," Alonso confirmed. "He needs a couple of days not training too much because of a little thing. We expect him to be back on Saturday."
World Cup players return
A number of Chelsea players were handed extended summer breaks following their involvement at the World Cup, with the likes of Reece James, Enzo Fernandez, Valentin Barco and Malo Gusto only reporting for pre-season after the club’s tour of southeast Asia.
Alonso has no concerns as to their fitness, though, and confirmed they will be available for Monday’s west London derby: "Let's see, we will check, we will assess. For sure, because of the World Cup they might need a little bit more time. They are selectable for the line-up."
