Xabi Alonso has offered a vote of confidence in Jordan Henderson ahead of Chelsea's trip to Brentford, praising the veteran midfielder's experience and leadership just as the club navigates a tricky spell in midfield.
Henderson has not yet featured competitively for Chelsea after picking up a wrist injury following England's World Cup last-16 win over Mexico this past summer. The 36-year-old is now nearing full fitness and could be handed a role in helping the west London side address their midfield shortage, with Moises Caicedo also in doubt for the visit to the Gtech Community Stadium. Henderson himself remains a question mark and will undergo a final assessment before kick-off, while Reece James continues to battle his own fitness issues, leaving Alonso with limited options through the middle of the pitch.
No player in Chelsea's squad is more familiar with Brentford than Henderson, who spent last season on loan at the club before terminating his contract there to join Chelsea. Alonso believes that background, combined with his experience, makes him an ideal figure to have an impact both on and off the field this weekend.
"We analysed that we wanted to have good balance between maturity, between experience, talent, energy, and that's why we have taken a step forward, and we have improved, I think in that part," Alonso said on Thursday. "Jordan has played an important role, being a midfielder, the impact he can have with other players, but he has this quality and personality to improve and help other players have."
Before signing Henderson, Chelsea had explored a deal for Sunderland's Granit Xhaka, who previously worked with Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, but ultimately turned to the England international as they sought to bolster their squad with more seasoned figures. The club also brought in 35-year-old forward Danny Welbeck from Brighton, who has made an immediate impact despite sparse playing time, netting three goals in two Carabao Cup appearances.
Welbeck appears poised to lead the attack against Brentford after Joao Pedro was left out of Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad for the international break due to injury. Alonso remained guarded when discussing the Brazilian forward's condition, choosing not to confirm the full extent of the issue.
"I want to prefer is to be cautious and wait until tomorrow. We still have time," Alonso said regarding Joao Pedro, who has contributed three goals and three assists so far this season.
Should Joao Pedro be unavailable, Welbeck is the likely replacement, and Alonso expressed full trust that the experienced striker will rise to the occasion if called upon.
"It is about having a complete squad, and about knowing that everyone is ready to play if needed," Alonso explained. "But Danny, Jordan, Estevao, Geovany [Quenda], Jorrel [Hato], many players that all of them, they have to be ready. This is professional football, and you need to know that when you are needed, you need to be prepared for that."
With injuries mounting in central midfield and uncertainty over Joao Pedro's fitness, Alonso is leaning heavily on the depth and experience of his squad's senior figures as Chelsea look to overcome a challenging set of circumstances against Brentford.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (football).