Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has given an update on the fitness of three summer arrivals as his side prepare to face Luton Town in the Carabao Cup second round at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening.
The Blues brought in a trio of new faces during the transfer window, including striker Emegha, who arrived via a pre-agreed deal from sister club Strasbourg, and defender Danny, who joined on a permanent transfer. Jordan Henderson, meanwhile, signed as a free agent after his contract with Brentford was terminated.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Alonso confirmed that two of the three new signings are fit and available for selection, while Henderson will need more time before he is ready to feature.
"Jordan not yet," Alonso said. "Danny and Emegha, yes."
The Spanish coach added that there is no firm timeline for Henderson's return to full training. "Jordan will take a little longer, but let's see. I am not a doctor. I don't have the date yet, so we have to wait a little bit longer," he explained.
Emegha had been sidelined with a hamstring problem but has since returned to full training with the first-team squad, putting him in contention for a place against Luton.
Aside from the fitness updates, Alonso also addressed a separate issue concerning the reception his Argentinian players might receive from opposition supporters this season, following Argentina's dramatic victory over England in the World Cup semi-final back in July.
Enzo Fernandez, who scored the decisive goal against England at Atlanta Stadium last month, was jeered by home fans during Chelsea's recent trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham. Fellow Argentine Valentin Barco, who has not yet made his competitive debut for the club, was also present in the squad that beat England and drew attention for his celebrations after the final whistle.
Asked about the potential for continued hostility towards his South American contingent, Alonso was unequivocal in stating it was not a concern for him. "The semi-final," he said. "I have absolutely no control of that. I go to Craven Cottage and I have no control of the reaction of the Fulham crowd with the Argentinian players, with the Spanish players, with the French ones.
"I don't bother. I can't control it. I don't care. For me it's zero consideration. For me, what's important is how they play, the personality they have."
The former Real Sociedad and Bayer Leverkusen boss expressed confidence that his players have the mental strength to rise above any external noise, suggesting that any tension stemming from the World Cup result would naturally fade as the season progresses.
"I think they can [overcome] this context," Alonso said. "Over time, it will decrease. We are still fresh from the summer."
With Danny and Emegha available and Henderson still working his way back to fitness, Alonso will have some fresh options to consider as Chelsea look to advance in the Carabao Cup against Luton this week. The match represents an early opportunity for the newly assembled squad to build momentum and cohesion as the campaign unfolds, while Alonso continues to navigate the various narratives surrounding his squad both on and off the pitch.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.