Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso gives fitness updates ahead of the Premier League match against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, with several players available. Alonso says Reece James and Cole Palmer are fit, and Joao Pedro is also in contention after returning to training during the extended international break.
Outlet reports differ on fine details of availability. The Punch states James, Palmer and Joao Pedro are available, while Metro also reports Pedro has trained well and could be in line to start, and that Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra are “ready to go.” Daily Post Nigeria adds that Jamie Gittens will not play due to injury, while Alonso provides updates on Palmer, Caicedo, Pedro, James and Palestra.
The sources also reference prior injury context: Pedro missed Chelsea’s last match before the international break with a knee problem that required treatment and specialist input, with earlier reports in Brazil suggesting a potential four-week layoff. Palmer is noted as having withdrawn from the England squad, and his recent injury history includes a managed groin issue last season. Alonso’s overall message is that most of the group returning from the break has trained and could feature against Bournemouth.
