{"id":2243,"date":"2026-08-26T05:47:57","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T05:47:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2243"},"modified":"2026-08-26T05:47:57","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T05:47:57","slug":"chelsea-defender-returns-to-training-in-boost-for-xabi-alonso-ahead-of-luton-town","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2243","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea defender returns to training in boost for Xabi Alonso ahead of Luton Town"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"\"\/ Add as preferred source on Google<\/span> <\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Xabi Alonso faces a dilemma when it comes to team selection against Luton Town, after a welcome addition in training. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Chelsea<\/a> finally got off the mark under Xabi Alonso, but it was far from a comfortable afternoon. The front line showed flashes of the fluid football Alonso wants to build, but the back four looked completely at odds with each other for long stretches, giving up far too much space far too easily. <\/p>\n

\n

Behind them, Robert Sanchez hardly helped calm any nerves. He looked indecisive on crosses, made a couple of mistakes, and generally gave off an air of panic.<\/p>\n

With Luton Town up next, it gives Alonso the perfect chance to try a couple of things and ring the changes, with a relatively big squad still at Cobham. <\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/header>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Is Omari Kellyman the worst signing of BlueCo\u2019s Chelsea era? \ud83d\udcc9<\/h3>\n

Strasbourg have paid just \u00a35m for the 20-year-old.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Aaron Anselmino back on grass after injury <\/h2>\n

Aaron Anselmino<\/a> showed bright flashes during Chelsea\u2019s pre-season tour, demonstrating the composure and defensive instinct that earned him a move to Stamford Bridge. <\/p>\n

However, Anselmino\u2019s momentum was cruelly cut short<\/a> when he suffered a hamstring injury against Johor Darul Ta\u2019zim, leaving the pitch in tears after another frustrating setback.<\/p>\n

His return could come soon, though, after the defender was pictured back in training at Cobham. <\/p>\n

Aaron Anselmino\u2019s situation at Chelsea<\/h2>\n

Chelsea will consider loan offers for the defender, but they are also happy to keep him around.<\/p>\n

So it\u2019ll be down to Anselmino to impress in whatever chance he gets given. Especially given how many centre-backs Chelsea have on their books.<\/p>\n

However, there will always be that lingering doubt over whether he can stay fit, as he\u2019s racked up seven distinct injuries since breaking through at Boca Juniors and making his move to Chelsea. The vast majority of these lay-offs have been muscle-related, primarily recurring hamstring tears and strains.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
<\/svg><\/p>\n
Join Our Newsletter<\/span><\/p>\n

Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n