Chelsea head into Friday night's west London derby at Brentford with a mixed bag of injury news, as Xabi Alonso looks to arrest a dip in form after failing to win either of his side's last two Premier League matches.
The Blues suffered their sole defeat of the campaign so far, going down 2-1 to Arsenal, before being held 2-2 at home by newly-promoted Hull City. In both fixtures, Chelsea conceded an early goal, a pattern Alonso will be eager to correct against a Brentford team that remains unbeaten this term and thrashed Tottenham 3-0 on the opening weekend.
The most significant blow ahead of the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium is the expected absence of Joao Pedro. The Brazilian forward, who has been in excellent form with three goals in four league appearances, has been ruled out of Brazil's upcoming international friendlies against Australia and India. A statement from the Brazilian football federation confirmed that Fluminense's Martinelli has been called up as a replacement, citing Joao Pedro's injury. No timeline has been given for his return to full fitness.
There is, however, encouraging news regarding Moises Caicedo. The midfielder made his way back into the matchday squad for the win over former club Brighton after sitting out the season-opening victory over Fulham and a Carabao Cup win against Luton Town. That comeback proved short-lived, though, as Caicedo was forced off after just 14 minutes, replaced by fellow ex-Brighton player Valentin Barco. Visibly distressed as he left the pitch, Caicedo has not featured since, missing subsequent matches against Arsenal, Leeds and Hull.
Speaking before the draw with Hull, Alonso was cautious about rushing his player back. "Let's see for Brentford, but unluckily not at the moment to take risks with him," the Chelsea boss said. "Not yet, we are not there yet." Despite that guarded assessment, there is now optimism that Caicedo could feature against Brentford, potentially from the substitutes' bench.
Jordan Henderson is also nearing a first appearance for his new club since arriving on a free transfer following England's run to the bronze final at this summer's World Cup. Alonso previously offered a positive update on the veteran midfielder's recovery from an arm issue, saying: "He has been training very well, but it is still frustrating for him that, even though it is his arm, it is taking that long. I think he is in the last stage of his recovery." Henderson has since returned to full training and is in contention to face Brentford.
Marco Palestra remains without a competitive debut for Chelsea after missing all six games this season following a minor training injury sustained before the Fulham match. Alonso addressed the young Italian's frustration, saying: "He's quite frustrated after a very good pre-season not to be able to play and to make his debut in the Premier League. But I told Marco, 'Easy, the season is long, there will be a lot of games, and you will play your role, you will have your minutes, you will enjoy your game.' He is full of energy, and you need to control that." Palestra took part in training on Tuesday, boosting hopes he could finally feature.
Emmanuel Emegha, sidelined by a pre-season injury after impressing in friendlies following his move from Strasbourg, is also approaching full fitness, though it remains unclear whether he will be included in the squad before or after the international break.
Reece James, who missed part of Tuesday's training session at Cobham, is expected to be available for selection against Brentford.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.