Early team news as Chelsea host Bournemouth: 13 potentially missing including Palmer and Scott
Alex Scott will be missing when Chelsea host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, but he could be one of 13 players who are unavailable for the clash.
The international break will officially be over this time tomorrow, as players start to return to their clubs after a long-winded three-week break in which some players have played four times for their countries.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s medical department have been working hard to get Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Reece James, Marco Palestra and Moises Caicedo back and available to play, ahead of facing Bournemouth.
The 13 players who could miss Chelsea v Bournemouth
Bournemouth will be without six players against the Blues
Chelsea fans might be somewhat relieved to hear the news that their key transfer target, England star Scott, has picked up a muscle injury. He has suffered a quadricep injury after starting against Croatia.
Scott might have been secretly hoping to show Chelsea fans what he could do on Saturday, as his rise up the Premier League ranks continues. But Scott is now set to be sidelined until early December.
How would you rate Xabi Alonso’s first weeks at Stamford Bridge?
What has worked, and what needs improving? 🤔
Bournemouth will also be without key players Justin Kluivert (tendon) and Eli Junior Kroupi (ankle) – who has also been linked with Chelsea. Julian Araujo, Amine Adli and Veljko Milosavljevic are also missing.
Xabi Alonso might have to make do without seven players
While Bournemouth’s six players will all definitely be missing, unless they have made a miraculous recovery during the break, Chelsea’s situation is a bit more fluid. Jamie Gittens is expected to miss out.
The winger was seen on crutches after starting for England U21s. It feels unlikely he will be unable to play, but for Chelsea’s six other injured stars, it is likely that a solid portion of those will be available to play.
Cole Palmer, Reece James, and Marco Palestra have been back in training during the break. All three are in the mix to start for Chelsea on Saturday, while Moises Caicedo should also be available this weekend.
Emmanuel Emegha is yet to play for Chelsea, but it is believed he is also ready to return. Mike Penders missed Belgium’s first two games during the break, but has been on the bench in the last two outings.
The big question mark is Joao Pedro, who is currently nursing a knee injury. According to the latest reports, it might not be until the end of October that the Brazil international is back in action.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
