Five back, and Bournemouth at the Bridge
Xabi Alonso has five players available again for Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 16:00 CEST (1) (3) (5) (7). Moisés Caicedo, Marco Palestra, Cole Palmer, João Pedro and Reece James are all in the frame. "De har tränat bra och redo att spela," Alonso said, which means they have trained well and are ready to play (4).
You need this. You are 10th on 7 points from five games, and the last away trip was a 3–0 hiding at Brentford on Friday, September 18 (3).
Palmer is available, and committed to England
Cole Palmer missed the international break with the groin problem that has bothered him before. Alonso called it "a little bit from the pubalgia he had", and Chelsea felt they were right to protect him, with Palmer himself wanting to be cautious (6). Thomas Tuchel had said Palmer "misses too many opportunities". Alonso is clear that Palmer is committed to playing for England, and he is back in the squad for Bournemouth (6).
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De Jong is the January name
Enzo Fernández is gone, Chelsea made no signings, and midfield is the stated priority for the winter window. Frenkie de Jong is the one they are watching at Barcelona (8) (11) (12). He is working his way back from a serious knee injury (8).
Acheampong and Malundama tied down
Chelsea want a long-term contract for Josh Acheampong, 20, who has interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Bayern, Dortmund and Napoli. Chelsea have already said no to Napoli (11) (13) (14). Jayden Malundama, 17, has signed his first professional deal (12).
Estêvão stays, and gets minutes
Barcelona would consider a €130m offer for Estêvão (10). Chelsea have shown no willingness to sell, and Alonso has promised the teenager more game time (10) (11).
Around the rumours
Malo Gusto could be on the market in January, with Liverpool and Manchester City circling (12). Jules Kounde would cost Chelsea more than €50m, per Matteo Moretto (12). Manchester United have joined Chelsea and Liverpool on Murillo, though any move comes next summer (15). Chelsea can sign goalkeeper Leonard Prescott cheaply while Bayern talks stall (11). Liverpool are also linked with an unnamed Chelsea player, and Arsenal have bid for Gilberto Mora (2).
Fan reactions
The mood on r/chelseafc is all about getting bodies back. Caicedo's fitness is the running theme, and Alonso's line about having "a soft spot with Moi" went down well. Palmer's groin is the other thread, with fans relieved the club protected him through the international break rather than risk him.
