Alonso Confirms Caicedo and Palestra Out for Luton Clash

Chelsea will have to navigate their Carabao Cup second-round clash with Luton Town without two of their key summer hopes.

Xabi Alonso confirmed on Wednesday that Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra will both miss Thursday night’s game, extending their absence after sitting out the opening Premier League win over Fulham.

“Not for tomorrow, both won’t make it [against Luton],” Alonso said at his pre-match press conference, drawing a clear line under any late fitness optimism.

Caicedo and Palestra were missing from the squad as Chelsea edged Fulham 3-2 on the first day of the league season, and neither will be risked as the focus turns to knockout football. The club’s medical staff are still managing their return carefully.

There is at least a hint of encouragement on Caicedo’s side. Alonso admitted there is a chance the midfielder could feature at the weekend, though Palestra’s situation remains less certain.

“Let’s see, hopefully Moi could make it for the weekend, but we need to check a little bit more with Marco,” the Chelsea head coach added, underlining the different timelines.

The rest of the group emerges in far better shape. Everyone involved on Monday is available again. Cole Palmer, who took a knock, is “absolutely fine” according to Alonso.

There was also a nod to opportunity. Penders has been drafted into the squad and will travel with the group, putting him in line for minutes in a competition that has often served as a springboard for young or fringe players.

No Caicedo, no Palestra, but a cup tie under the lights and a squad door slightly ajar for someone new to make a statement.