LONDON, ENGLAND — Chelsea could have several key players unavailable when they host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, with a number of first-team stars still recovering from injuries.
According to Football London, as many as 12 players across the two clubs are facing fitness concerns ahead of the Stamford Bridge meeting.
Chelsea have several major doubts of their own, although the club could receive positive news on some players before the weekend.
Joao Pedro Remains Doubtful
Joao Pedro is among Chelsea’s biggest concerns after missing the club’s defeat to Brentford with a knee injury.
The Brazilian forward subsequently withdrew from Brazil’s squad and has not featured in Chelsea’s first-team training images during the international break.
His absence from training has raised questions about whether he will be fit to face Bournemouth.
Head coach Xabi Alonso is expected to provide an update on the forward later in the week.
Palmer And James Continue Recovery
Cole Palmer is another important concern for Chelsea.
The England international withdrew from Thomas Tuchel’s squad after suffering a muscular problem and has reportedly continued his rehabilitation with a specialist fitness coach in the Caribbean.
Chelsea will be reluctant to rush Palmer back, particularly with the midfielder having already experienced fitness problems.
Captain Reece James is also working his way back from a hamstring injury.
The exact extent of James’ latest problem has not been publicly confirmed, leaving his availability for Saturday uncertain. Alonso is expected to provide more information during his pre-match press conference.
Caicedo Could Return
There is better news regarding Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuadorian midfielder has continued his rehabilitation from a calf problem during the international break after managing only 14 minutes of football this season.
His progress has given Chelsea hope that he could be available against Bournemouth.
Emmanuel Emegha is another player who could provide a boost to Alonso’s squad. The summer signing from Strasbourg has recovered from a hamstring injury and is approaching his Chelsea debut.
Gittens Remains A Concern
Jamie Gittens, however, remains doubtful.
The winger withdrew from England Under-21 duty after suffering an ankle injury and was subsequently pictured using crutches.
Gittens has returned to Chelsea’s Cobham training base for further assessment, with the club expected to determine his availability closer to the weekend.
There is more encouraging news concerning Marco Palestra, who has returned to first-team training following a quad injury.
The defender is expected to be available for the Bournemouth fixture.
Bournemouth Also Face Injury Problems
Bournemouth will arrive at Stamford Bridge with several fitness concerns of their own.
Alex Scott is expected to miss the match after withdrawing from England duty with a quadriceps injury. The midfielder is reportedly facing around six weeks on the sidelines.
Eli Junior Kroupi and Amine Adli are both approaching returns but remain doubtful for Saturday.
Kroupi has been recovering from a serious foot injury, while Adli has been working his way back from a calf or shin problem.
Veljko Milosavljevic is also nearing a return from a knee injury, although it remains unclear whether he will recover sufficiently to face Chelsea.
Bournemouth Await Further Updates
Julian Araujo is expected to remain unavailable throughout October because of a thigh injury, meaning he is unlikely to feature at Stamford Bridge.
Bournemouth are also waiting for an update on Justin Kluivert after the forward suffered a muscle injury before the international break.
His return date has not yet been confirmed.
Both Clubs Await Fitness News
Chelsea and Bournemouth therefore face several selection questions ahead of Saturday’s Premier League encounter.
For Chelsea, the availability of Joao Pedro, Palmer and James could significantly influence Alonso’s options, while Caicedo and Emegha could provide timely reinforcements.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, will hope their recovering players can make sufficient progress to strengthen the squad.
With both sides returning to Premier League action after the international break, the final fitness assessments later in the week could determine how heavily injuries affect the Stamford Bridge contest.
