Xabi Alonso is expected to utilise key Chelsea players who are expected to make their returns from injury in Saturday’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth.

Alonso delivered the good news that all Chelsea fans had hoped to hear from his press conference on Friday, at least for the most part.

Moises Caicedo, Reece James, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, and Marco Palestra are all available to play against Bournemouth after recovering from injuries during the international break.

Unfortunately for the Blues, Jamie Gittens has been ruled out of the match due to an ankle injury, but he should be the only player on Chelsea’s latest injury list.

After an inconsistent start to the season that has left Chelsea sitting 10th in the Premier League table, Alonso will want a positive result at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and deploying his key players will increase their odds of winning.

Emiliano Martinez has been Chelsea’s starting goalkeeper in league games since his arrival, and he is expected to keep his spot in goal. He may have to shake off slight jet lag after playing a full 90 for Argentina in Lionel Messi’s farewell match, the 3-0 win over Benin on Wednesday, but he should be used to it.

For the defence, it remains unclear whether Alonso will stick with the three-at-the-back system or switch to a four-man defence. The Chelsea manager had three weeks, including the behind-closed-doors friendly against Portsmouth, to experiment with his tactics to solve the team’s poor defensive record.

Assuming Chelsea stay with a back three, then Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and Maxence Lacroix will likely remain the primary options.

At right wing-back, Palestra, Malo Gusto, and Pedro Neto all have a chance to start. That said, it might be time to give Palestra his official Chelsea debut after dealing with a hamstring injury since the start of the season.

On the left, Pep Chavarria, who worked with Alonso to prepare for Bournemouth, will likely get the nod over Jorrel Hato, who was on international duty with the Netherlands.

Arguably for the first time this season, Alonso will be spoilt for choice in midfield. Moises Caicedo should be the most obvious option if he is fully fit. The Ecuador international will likely partner captain Reece James in a double pivot.

Palmer and Joao Pedro, whose recoveries have been confirmed, are expected to start in a front three alongside Morgan Rogers. 

Alonso will hope that the front three can regain their sharpness, especially with Joao Pedro returning. Chelsea fired blanks for the first time this season in the 3-0 defeat to Brentford, with the striker absent due to a knee injury.

Martinez, Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill, Palestra, Caicedo, James, Chavarria, Palmer, Rogers, Joao Pedro