Alonso on Estevao
No drama from the manager. Xabi Alonso dismissed reports that Estevao is unhappy at Chelsea: "No, Este is ready. He's training well. The other day [vs Arsenal], he had a very good impact, he had a great chance. So he's fully involved and with a very good attitude every day" (1) (6). Reports from Brazil had suggested dissatisfaction, but Alonso is not having it.
Caicedo injury and Henderson return
Xabi Alonso will reveal the extent of Moises Caicedo's injury and a return timeline for Jordan Henderson (4). Both midfielders missed the Arsenal match, a 2–1 defeat at the Emirates on Sep 6 (7) (8). That loss was Chelsea's first under Alonso.
Cup draw: Leeds at the Bridge
Chelsea host Leeds United at Stamford Bridge in a Carabao Cup third-round tie (2). It is a rematch of last season's FA Cup semi-final, which Chelsea won before losing the final to Manchester City (2).
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Opposition team news
Leeds could be without Daniel James, a doubt after Daniel Farke confirmed the winger is carrying an injury. Joe Rodon is ruled out (10).
Paez kept away from first team
Kendry Páez is out of the first-team picture after his River Plate loan was cut short (3). Alonso confirmed Páez will not train with the senior group until the January window (3).
Barco praised
Valentin Barco earned a strong verdict from Alonso, who praised the Argentine's mentality and adaptation as he pushes for another start against Leeds (5).
Rumours: Kvaratskhelia and Lopez
Chelsea and Tottenham lead the race for 16-year-old Dinamo Tbilisi winger Tornike Kvaratskhelia, brother of a PSG star (9). Separately, Fermin Lopez is now valued at no less than €150m at Barcelona after a past €40m Chelsea offer (11).
