By Samuel Akpan
Xabi Alonso has kept João Pedro and Reece James in good frame for Chelsea’s Friday Premier League trip to Brentford, despite fresh doubts over their fitness.
Pedro pulled out of Brazil’s international-break party after a knock, while James sat out the start of Tuesday’s session. Alonso will judge both after the final workout.
Speaking on the club website on Friday, he said: “In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad we are having the last training session tomorrow so no-one is ruled out for us for Friday.”
He urged caution over the Brazilian but left the door open.
“So I prefer to be cautious and we will wait until the tomorrow to take the final decision on every player,” he added.
On Pedro’s chances, Alonso said: “We will see tomorrow if Joao is ready to play, it’s a possibility.”
Pedro has begun the campaign brightly, with three goals and three assists from four Premier League outings — a lift Alonso would welcome.
The Chelsea boss played down James missing part of Tuesday’s work.
“For Reece, it was just a decision for Tuesday and we see his development and tomorrow we will decide,” he said.
Chelsea are also tracking midfielder Moisés Caicedo as he works his way back from injury.
“He’s getting closer and tomorrow we will take the final decision on the team and on the squad that is coming to Brentford,” Alonso said.
The Blues head to the Gtech Community Stadium for an 8pm kick-off, aiming to bounce back from last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Hull City.
With several key men facing late fitness checks, Alonso will delay his squad call until the last phase of preparation for the west London derby.