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Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has issued a disappointing double injury update before his side’s Carabao Cup meeting with Luton Town. The Blues will have to manage without influential midfielder Moises Caicedo and summer arrival Marco Palestra as they aim to build on their winning start to the season.

Blues without key pair for Carabao Cup

After opening their Premier League campaign with a 3-2 win away at Fulham on Monday evening, Chelsea now switch their focus to domestic cup duty. But Alonso’s team will have to get through Thursday’s Carabao Cup match against Luton Town without two important players.

Neither Caicedo nor recent signing Palestra was involved in the west London derby. Both remain unavailable for the upcoming game at Stamford Bridge, reducing Alonso’s scope to rotate his starting XI. Palestra, who arrived from Atalanta in the latest transfer window, still has no clear return date, while Caicedo appears a little closer to coming back.

Alonso outlines injury issues

Speaking after the hard-earned victory at Craven Cottage, Alonso said the absent players had picked up minor problems in training. The Spanish coach stressed that he wants to be careful with player fitness at this early point in the season.

"During the week they had a few setbacks," Alonso explained during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon. "With Moi – and with any [player] – we don’t want to take too much risk. They weren’t ready to play tonight."

The Chelsea manager then gave another update on the duo before the Luton fixture. Alonso confirmed they would not be available immediately, but suggested there is still some hope for the weekend’s league programme.

"Not for tomorrow, both won’t make it," Alonso said. "Let’s see, hopefully Moi could make it for the weekend, but we need to check a little bit more with Marco. Otherwise everyone from Monday is okay, Cole [Palmer] is absolutely fine."

Goalkeeping doubts and chance for Penders

Away from the injury list, Chelsea are also dealing with strong transfer speculation. First-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez came under scrutiny for his display against Fulham, leading to reports that the Blues may look at Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez before the deadline. As a result, reserve keeper Mike Penders could get a chance to impress in goal against the Hatters.

When asked about the goalkeeper decision, Alonso kept his cards close to his chest: "Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first."

Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez is expected to be involved on Thursday despite ongoing links with Manchester City. Highlighting the Argentine’s attitude and focus, Alonso added: "Enzo, yes we expect him to be involved. He is training really well, he’s a good professional, and he will be involved."

Fernandez set to play amid City links

One player who appears certain to feature is Enzo Fernandez, even with continuing rumours connecting the Argentine midfielder with a sensational move to Manchester City. Alonso was quick to commend the professionalism of the 2022 World Cup winner and confirmed that he is available for the upcoming match. The manager added: "Enzo, yes we expect him to be involved. He is training really well, he’s a good professional, and he will be involved."

While Caicedo is trying to be fit for Chelsea’s next Premier League game this weekend, the club are also keeping an eye on their longer-term absentees. Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha both missed the opening-day win and remain out, although they are expected to return to full training within the next fortnight.

A win over Luton would send Chelsea through in the Carabao Cup and keep up the early momentum under Alonso. But the manager will need to manage his squad carefully so that current fitness concerns are not made worse ahead of a busy domestic schedule.