Chelsea Team News - Soccer

Marco Palestra - Likely to feature in friendly Palestra (thigh) is likely to be involved in Chelsea's behind-closed-doors friendly against Portsmouth over the weekend, with coach Xabi Alonso hoping to give him much-needed minut...

Impact Palestra has yet to feature in a competitive match for Chelsea since his move, with his last appearance coming in the final preseason match against Real Sociedad on August 15, and he is aiming to be available for the Oct. 10 match against Bournemouth. Manager Alonso views him as a specialist wing-back who can operate on either flank, and his return would give Chelsea another dimension, with Pedro Neto having been used as a makeshift option on the right side while Jorrel Hato and Pep Chavarria have mostly covered the left.

9 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Mike Penders - Available again for Belgium Penders is on the bench for Friday's Nations League match against Turkey after recovering from a thigh injury that kept him out of Belgium's first two games.

Impact Penders has returned to Belgium's matchday squad after recovering from a thigh injury that sidelined him for the fixtures against Italy and France. The 21-year-old goalkeeper took a spot on the bench against Turkiye behind starting keeper Senne Lammens. His return to fitness eliminates any fitness concerns for Chelsea ahead of their Premier League clash against AFC Bournemouth on October 10. Penders remains the primary deputy to Emiliano Martinez at Stamford Bridge, with his first-team opportunities this season coming in Carabao Cup ties against Luton Town and Leeds United.

22 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Man City draws 1-1 with Real Madrid in Women's Champions League. PSG and Køge both win

Manchester City returned to action in the Women's Champions League in a seismic week for the club

1 DAY AGO • Associated Press

Moises Caicedo - Continues to miss training Caicedo (calf) has yet to resume practice while Chelsea prepare for the next stretch of the season during the international break, Arthur Ferridge of The Standard reports.

Impact Caicedo was not called up by the Ecuadorian national team to prioritize his recovery from the issue that has sidelined him for all of September. While the key midfielder fails to make a return to training sessions, players such as Romeo Lavia, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson may see increased chances of appearing in the double pivot. However, Caicedo will regain a major role whenever he's fit again given his status as a reliable all-around contributor.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Emanuel Emegha - Involved in training Emegha (hamstring) has been involved in training with the Chelsea squad after working on his own during the international break, putting him in contention for his first competitive...

Impact Emegha has yet to feature competitively for Chelsea after a preseason hamstring injury delayed his start following the move from Strasbourg, though he was not far off being involved against Brentford before the break. With Joao Pedro (knee) still uncertain, his progress carries extra weight, since a return would put him in direct competition with Danny Welbeck for minutes up front, and if training continues to go smoothly he could be in line for a first involvement against Bournemouth on Saturday, Oct. 10.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Mauricio Pochettino: No 'Sporting Justice' For Tottenham In Man City Verdict

Ex-Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed sadness at the lack of "sporting justice" that the reported verdict against Manchester Ci...

3 DAYS AGO • FOX SPORTS

Mauricio Pochettino: No 'Sporting Justice' For Tottenham In Man City Verdict

Joao Pedro - Sees knee specialist during break Pedro has been receiving treatment from a specialist for his knee injury during the international break, in an effort to speed up his return, according to Dom Smith of The Standard...

Impact Pedro had withdrawn from the Brazil squad earlier this month due to the injury, with reports in Brazil at the time suggesting he could be sidelined for up to four weeks. Chelsea's in-house medical staff have also been closely monitoring him, and while it remains unclear exactly when he will return, the club does not expect the injury to be long term, with no decision yet made on his involvement against Bournemouth on Oct. 10. His absence has been notable given the attacking chemistry he had built with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers early in the season.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Marco Palestra - Back on grass Palestra (thigh) was spotted in training Monday.

Impact Palestra continues to work his way back from a thigh injury, but seeing him on the grass is a step in the right direction. The wing-back is aiming to return when Chelsea resume their Premier League campaign on Oct. 10 against Bournemouth.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Mike Penders - Misses second straight match Penders (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Monday's Nations League match against France after also missing Friday's win over Italy, according to Belgium coach Mark Van Bommel, per...

Impact Penders remains unavailable due to the quadriceps injury despite taking part in training with Belgium on Sunday. The goalkeeper had initially been considered to have a chance of featuring later in the international break after missing the Italy match, but his recovery has not progressed enough for Monday. Belgium will continue to assess the issue, with no clear timetable yet established for his return.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Jamie Gittens - Sent back to Chelsea for ankle tests Gittens is being sent back to Chelsea for tests on an ankle injury, and will miss the final two qualifying games as a result, according to England U21 coach Lee Carsley, per Luke R...

Impact Gittens went down in the 36th minute against Kazakhstan, receiving treatment before being substituted at halftime, and was later seen hobbling on crutches. His debut season at Chelsea was already derailed by two separate hamstring injuries, and this latest setback continues a difficult run of fitness issues, with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Pedro Neto likely to continue seeing increased attacking responsibilities if he is sidelined for a sustained period.

SEPTEMBER 25 • ROTOWIRE

Jamie Gittens - Spotted on crutches after forced exit Gittens left the stadium in crutches after picking up an injury during the first half of England Under-21's win over Kazakhstan on Friday, Katherine Walsh of The Sun reports.

Impact Gittens has barely been involved for Chelsea's senior squad this season, and his potential injury would further limit his chances of playing in the short term. While the nature and severity of the problem remain unclear, the international window could be over for the winger, who may have to return to his club for assessment. All of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Pedro Neto will continue to see increased attacking responsibilities in the short term if Gittens heads to the sidelines.

SEPTEMBER 25 • ROTOWIRE

Aaron Anselmino - Yet to see time Anselmino has not appeared for a single minute since the start of this season.

Impact Anselmino is back with this season after a loan with their sister club, Strasbourg, although it is not going as we would like. The defender has yet to earn a minute in league play for the first time, a rough spell of play after struggling with injuries much of last season. He was likely to struggle for some time due to the depth of Chelsea's team, although he does still see an outside chance of gaining a few minutes, unlikely to see much starting time coming his way.

SEPTEMBER 25 • ROTOWIRE

Reece James - Potentially back after break James (hamstring) is eyeing a potential return following the international break, according to Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, according to London is Blue Podcast. "I believe what...

Impact James missed the last match ahead of the break with a hamstring issue, a common occurrence for the versatile player, which has brought some concerns around his status. However, it does appear that he could avoid missing any more time, as the injury seemed to be played down, and a return could be coming after a few weeks off due to the international break. This would give him around three and a half weeks of recovery, an adequate time to recover from a low-grade hamstring injury.

SEPTEMBER 25 • ROTOWIRE

Mike Penders - Dealing with quad injury Penders (quadriceps) did not travel with Belgium for Friday's Nations League match against Italy due to a minor injury, according to La Libre.

Impact Penders will miss Belgium's opening Nations League fixture while recovering from the minor quadriceps issue. He trained individually Thursday morning and is expected to have a chance of featuring later in the international break, suggesting the injury is not expected to keep him sidelined for an extended period. His availability for Belgium's remaining fixtures will depend on his progress over the coming days.

SEPTEMBER 25 • ROTOWIRE

Cole Palmer - Dealing with recurring injury issues Palmer (undisclosed) has withdrawn from England duty as he continues to deal with injury issues, according to coach Thomas Tuchel, per Henry Winter. "He misses too many opportuniti...

Impact Palmer's withdrawal will allow him to remain with Chelsea and manage his fitness after playing the full 90 minutes in the recent 3-0 loss to Brentford. The attacking midfielder has still enjoyed a productive start to the campaign, recording four goals and two assists across seven appearances in all competitions. However, his recurring fitness issues have continued to interrupt his availability for England, with manager Thomas Tuchel emphasizing the importance of being consistently present in camp.

SEPTEMBER 25 • ROTOWIRE

Geovany Quenda - Plays 19 minutes versus Brentford Quenda took one shot (zero on goal) over 19 minutes of play in the EPL week five loss to Brentford.

Impact Quenda is not yet established as a first-team option but has now made two Premier League appearances as a substitute during his first season as a Chelsea player. Considering he had just recovered from a considerable issue at the beginning of the campaign, he might continue to see his playing time managed, with his long-term involvement depending on his performance and the level of rotation during busy periods.

SEPTEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Estevao - Recording limited minutes Estevao has played less than 10 minutes in each of his four appearances in the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.

Impact Estevao has found better chances to produce in cup play this season, although he's yet to get directly involved in a goal. The attacker struggled to regain fitness after his constant muscular problems last year and is not yet at his best level. However, he offers a talented backup option if either Cole Palmer (undisclosed) or Morgan Rogers need rest at some point of the season.

SEPTEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Danny Welbeck - Lacking in first start Welbeck had two chances created and no shots in 71 minutes of Friday's 3-0 loss against Brentford.

Impact Welbeck was a clear downgrade from the injured Joao Pedro in Friday's game, though not many on his team had much success. At 35 years old, he was brought to Chelsea to serve in mostly a backup role. However, if Pedro has to miss another game or two, Welbeck figures to be the starting No. 9 coming out of the international break. As seen against Brentford, that doesn't always mean similar production to Pedro or even close to 90 minutes.

SEPTEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Malo Gusto - Alternating in early season Gusto has alternated between the starting lineup and the bench in the early stages of the 2026/27 Premier League.

Impact The Frenchman has three starts, one substitute appearance and one outing where he didn't leave the bench in Chelsea's first five EPL matches. Furthermore, he's started at RB, RM and CM already, showing enough versatility to fill different roles in Xabi Alonso's 3-4-2-1 system. As long as Gusto stays healthy, he should see regular minutes with the Blues regardless of his role.

SEPTEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Valentin Barco - Makes first league start Barco recorded three tackles and two interceptions while making his first Premier League start of the season in Chelsea's 3-0 loss to Brentford.

Impact Barco received his first league start after previously being limited to a rotational role, benefiting from Chelsea's numerous midfield injuries. The midfielder has also started both Carabao Cup matches this season, giving him increased opportunities despite sitting behind Moises Caicedo, Reece James and Romeo Lavia in the midfield hierarchy. Barco could continue to see an expanded role while Chelsea remain short-handed, though his playing time may decrease once the regular starters return.

SEPTEMBER 23 • ROTOWIRE

Mike Penders - Settles into backup role Penders has yet to make a Premier League appearance this season, with his playing time limited to the Carabao Cup.

Impact Penders remains Chelsea's second-choice goalkeeper behind Emiliano Martinez but could push for Premier League opportunities as the season progresses. The young goalkeeper has already been trusted with two Carabao Cup starts, giving him regular opportunities outside league play. With Martinez struggling for form, Penders could put additional pressure on the established starter if he continues to perform when given opportunities.

SEPTEMBER 23 • ROTOWIRE

Man City salvages draw at Bayern Munich in return to the Women's Champions League. Arsenal wins late

Manchester City has rallied from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Bayern Munich in its return to the Women’s Champions League at the start of the league phase

SEPTEMBER 22 • Associated Press

"They look dreadful" - Alan Shearer tells Xabi Alonso to solve 'alarming' problem that makes Chelsea weak Premier League legend Alan Shearer has insisted Xabi Alonso must find a solution to Chelsea's defensive issues. The Blues have conceded the...

SEPTEMBER 22 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

Women's Champions League returns: Manchester City returns and Barcelona defends title

The Women’s Champions League returns with Manchester City back in the tournament

SEPTEMBER 21 • Associated Press

Cole Palmer - Set to withdraw from England squad Palmer (undisclosed) is set to withdraw from England's squad due to muscle load management, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

Impact Palmer had played the entirety of Chelsea's recent 3-0 loss to Brentford before this decision to sit out the international break, part of a strong season so far that includes four goals and two assists in seven appearances across all competitions. His withdrawal comes after his recall to the squad had marked a significant return following his omission from the World Cup, with coach Xabi Alonso previously expressing confidence that the injury troubles that hampered his 2025/26 campaign were now behind him.

SEPTEMBER 21 • ROTOWIRE

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