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Chelsea could have Marco Palestra available for Friday’s trip to Brentford after his quad injury, potentially giving Xabi Alonso another versatile wing-back option.
Palestra suffered the injury just days before Chelsea’s Premier League opener at Fulham. Almost a month later, Chelsea have played six matches in all competitions and the Italian defender is yet to make an appearance.
Palestra edges closer to Chelsea return
football.london understands that Palestra completed individual training last week while his team-mates prepared for Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Hull City. There is hope on Alonso’s side that he will be available for the first time this season when Chelsea travel to Brentford on Friday evening.
If Palestra is not ready for that match, Alonso has indicated that the defender should return for Chelsea’s first game after the international break, against Bournemouth on October 10. The wait has been frustrating for a player whose pre-season displays had created excitement among Chelsea supporters.
When Alonso was appointed Chelsea manager earlier this year, he made clear to the club’s sporting leadership that a flexible wing-back needed to be signed. Alonso has enjoyed significant success with a 3-4-3 in the past and wanted an athletic, energetic and versatile option for the wide midfield positions.
Working with Chelsea’s sporting directors, Alonso identified Palestra as a candidate for the role. Chelsea beat Inter Milan to the 21-year-old’s signature and confirmed his £47million transfer, including add-ons, from Atalanta at the start of July. Palestra played in both wing-back roles during pre-season and impressed in those appearances.
News Summary
Palestra’s absence has delayed Chelsea’s first competitive look at the player in the role he was signed to fill. After the draw with Hull City, in which Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato failed to impress, supporters will be keen to see Palestra return when he is ready. His ability to operate on either flank could give Chelsea another option in the wide areas.
The immediate focus is whether he can feature at Brentford. Bournemouth on October 10 is the alternative return point identified by Alonso if the defender is not ready to be involved on Friday.
There is also an international consideration. Roberto Mancini, Italy’s newly appointed manager, is due to name his first squad for Nations League fixtures against Belgium, France and Turkey twice. Palestra would ordinarily be a strong candidate for selection, but it remains unclear whether Mancini will be cautious given the injury and his lack of appearances this season. If selected, competitive minutes could help Palestra build match sharpness as he works towards his Chelsea return.
In other news…
Chelsea’s injury situation remains a key issue as the side prepares for the trip to Brentford. Palestra’s potential availability would be a timely development after a difficult start to his first season at the club.
