Xabi Alonso Makes Double Chelsea Promise After Caicedo & Jackson Returns | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso has confirmed that both Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson will be involved in Chelsea's upcoming pre-season fixtures after the pair returned from the World Cup.

The Blues duo only arrived back following their respective international campaigns in America, with Alonso unsurprisingly opting to ease them back into the fold rather than rush either player into action too soon.

The Chelsea manager has now given supporters a firm promise over when they can expect to see Caicedo and Jackson back in action.

"Today it was too early after two days to play," Alonso told Chelsea's in-house media team following the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

"For sure, the plan is that they are involved against Juve and AC Milan."

That is a significant boost for the Blues ahead of those high-profile friendlies, with both players expected to play a role in Alonso's plans for the new campaign.

Jackson's future at Stamford Bridge still remains unclear. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Caicedo has been one of Chelsea's most important players since arriving at the club, while Jackson could return to the Blues' squad after a loan spell at Bayern Munich last campaign, adding to Alonso's attacking options heading into the season.

Jackson will face more competition than before he headed out on loan, as 17-year-old Dastan Satpayev has been busy making his mark on the Cobham coaching staff. The Kazakh teenager, who won't officially join the club until he turns 18 on August 12, scored Chelsea's opening goal of pre-season against Western Sydney Wanderers and drew significant praise from Alonso, who hinted at a clear role for him going forward.

"He is a goal threat, he attacks very well this inner channel, close to the striker, coming from outside," said the Spaniard, before issuing a pointed warning to supporters: "He is really strong, really quick, you will be really impressed with him."

Chelsea have also confirmed the signing of Danny Welbeck from Brighton, with the 35-year-old putting pen to paper on a two-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

The former Manchester United forward brings a wealth of Premier League experience to Alonso's squad and is well-known for his impact from the bench. He has the fourth-most substitute goals in Premier League history with 18. If the striker brings his Brighton form into a Chelsea shirt, Jackson may find it difficult to reclaim his spot this season.

The World Cup would have taken a physical and mental toll on both Jackson and Caicedo, so Alonso's cautious approach makes plenty of sense - similar to Jorrel Hato and Mamadou Sarr, who both made their minutes against Spurs.

Getting them back to full sharpness ahead of the competitive action will be the priority, and the Spaniard looks to have a clear plan in place to do exactly that.

Chelsea fans will be eager to see both players in action against Juventus and AC Milan, with the pre-season schedule giving Alonso a first proper look at his squad ahead of the new campaign.