CHELSEA ASSESS KEY PLAYERS AHEAD OF BRENTFORD CLASH

Chelsea will make a late assessment of several players ahead of Friday night’s Premier League trip to Brentford, with manager Xabi Alonso confirming that no member of his squad has been ruled out before the final training session. The Blues travel to the Gtech Community Stadium looking to return to winning ways after their 2-2 draw with Hull City at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

João Pedro is among the major fitness concerns after withdrawing from the Brazil squad for the upcoming international break. However, Alonso confirmed that the forward remains in contention and could feature against Brentford. Pedro has made a strong start to life under Alonso, registering three goals and three assists in his first four Premier League appearances.

Reece James is another player whose availability will be decided after the final training session. James missed the beginning of training on Tuesday, but Alonso said the issue was related to that particular session and that the defender's progress would be assessed before the match. The manager also revealed that Moisés Caicedo is getting closer to a return after being limited to a brief appearance against Brighton earlier in the campaign.

Chelsea are also monitoring new arrivals Marco Palestra and Jordan Henderson, with both players potentially in contention to make their competitive debuts. Alonso said decisions on the pair, as well as the rest of the squad, would be made after the final training session. The manager is therefore expected to wait until matchday before confirming his selection.

The Blues face an unbeaten Brentford side that has drawn its last three league matches and also advanced in the Carabao Cup during midweek. Alonso has warned his players about Brentford's strength in transitions, set pieces and their overall organisation, particularly at home. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm in the UK, which is 7pm Nigerian time, with Chelsea aiming to take all three points in the west London derby.