“We will take the final decision tomorrow” – Xabi Alonso provides João Pedro and Moises Caicedo updates | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso remained tight-lipped on the status of João Pedro ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League encounter at the Gtech Community Stadium in the West London Derby.

It’s been a mixed start for Chelsea, as they are currently sixth in the table, starting off positively with wins against Fulham and Brighton.

Defensive issues have remained throughout Alonso’s start, and fortunes changed after a narrow 2-1 loss to English Champions Arsenal at the Emirates, followed by Hull City holding the Blues to a draw at home.

Brazilian striker João Pedro is amongst the goals with three in the Premier League as well as three assists, meshing well with his attacking midfielders Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer.

However, it was confirmed yesterday that Pedro will not feature in the Brazil squad for international duty and was replaced by Fluminense midfielder Matheus Martinelli.

On whether the forward will feature tomorrow against Brentford, Alonso 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, so I prefer to be cautious and we will be waiting until tomorrow to make the final decision on every player.”

For midfielder Moises Caicedo, who has only featured once this season, a similar sentiment was set as he said: “He is getting closer, and tomorrow we will take the final decision in the team and in the squad that is coming to Brentford.”

A significant development occurred within the ownership of Chelsea as Todd Boehly and Mark Walters sold their stakes in the club to Clearlake Capital, who now have full control over Chelsea.

The Chelsea boss commented on the change within ownership: “I think it is an important day for the club when there is an important change in the structure of the club, new ownership.

“Thanks to the former owners for what they have done. I was not here but I know that they played an important role. And now that Behdad [Eghbali] is taking more control, or almost full control, I think it is good that the main one is clear.

“I have a very good relationship with Behdad; he was the one who came to Madrid to explain the project to convince me and we are working well together. As I have mentioned, this is phase one we have completed in the project of the squad. It is good and now we move on together.”