Chelsea injury update: Moises Caicedo, Jordan Henderson and Marco Palestra latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Chelsea hopeful of major injury boost before Arsenal showdown

Chelsea continued their perfect start to the season with a 4-3 win over Brighton at the weekend, though a major injury concern has emerged ahead of facing Arsenal.

Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer were on target in the seven-goal thriller at Stamford Bridge, as Emi Martinez made his first appearance for the club after joining from Aston Villa in a £7.5million transfer.

The goalkeeper will now look to stop his former club at the Emirates on Sunday when the Blues take to action for the first time after the summer window closes.

It remains to be seen whether Enzo Fernandez or Robert Sanchez - both left out of the matchday squad against Brighton - will still be at Chelsea when they make the short trip across London, but Moises Caicedo is a major doubt.

The Chelsea midfielder returned to the matchday squad against his former club after missing the opening day win over Fulham and the Carabao Cup second round victory at home to Luton Town.

Caicedo was brought on in the second half shortly after Joao Pedro’s unfortunate own goal had cut the Blues’ lead to one.

However, the Chelsea No25 lasted all of 14 minutes before limping off to be replaced by another ex-Brighton man in Valentin Barco.

Fresh concern: Moises Caicedo

PA

Caicedo was visibly upset as he made his way off the pitch and Xabi Alonso provided an immediate update in the post-match press conference, saying he was hopeful the issue is not too serious.

“Hopefully it wasn’t new, and hopefully it wasn’t more than last time,” Alonso told reporters.

“He was cautious to stop and say that he wasn’t feeling the best. We will assess it during the week.”

Jordan Henderson

With England reaching the bronze final match at this summer’s World Cup, Jordan Henderson is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea since sealing a free transfer.

The experienced midfielder is still recovering from the freak wrist injury that forced him to undergo surgery after falling over the advertising hoardings when celebrating England’s last-16 defeat of Mexico.

Alonso was asked on before the Luton game for an update on Henderson and revealed the 36-year-old is not expected to be available for selection for a while yet.

Not ready yet: Jordan Henderson

Getty

“Jordan will take a little longer, but let's see," the Chelsea manager said. "I am not a doctor. I don't have the date yet, so we have to wait a little bit longer.”

A regular for Chelsea, whether as a wing-back on either flank, during pre-season, Marco Palestra is still waiting to make his competitive Chelsea debut after missing all three games so far this season.

Like Caicedo, the Italian sustained a minor knock in training before the win over Fulham, but has not been since as he was ruled out of the Carabao Cup tie against Luton by Alonso.

It’s still not clear as to what Palestra’s injury is or whether he will recover in time to face the Gunners.