Chelsea have had almost a full week to mull over their disappointing draw at home to Hull, with the focus now on Brentford.
The Blues make the short trip across west London to the Gtech Community Stadium on Friday night on the back of dropping points in their last two Premier League outings.
A 2-1 loss to Arsenal - Chelsea’s one and only defeat of the season - was followed by a 2-2 draw against newly-promoted Hull, with the concern being Xabi Alonso’s side took an early lead in both games.
Facing a Brentford side who are unbeaten so far and beat Tottenham 3-0 on the opening weekend of the campaign, Chelsea will need to be strong defensively but Moises Caicedo remains a major doubt.
With that in mind, here is the latest Chelsea injury news and return dates…
Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro, who has scored three goals in four Premier League games already this season, looks set to miss out against Brentford after the Brazil football federation announced he has been replaced in the national team squad because of injury.
A statement reads: "Fluminense athlete Martinelli was called up on Wednesday, September 16, by coach Carlo Ancelotti for the Brazil National Team's friendlies against Australia and India in the upcoming FIFA international window.
"The player will replace Chelsea striker Joao Pedro, who is injured."
Alonso refused to rule him out of the Brentford game on Friday though, saying: “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.
“I prefer to be cautious and we will wait until tomorrow to take the final decision on every player.”
Alonso refused to say what the problem was affecting Joao Pedro, adding it was a “possibility” that he could be available for selection on Friday night.
Pressed on if Joao Pedro had trained on Thursday, Alonso replied: “We will see tomorrow if he is ready to play and we will take a decision.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Moises Caicedo
The Chelsea midfielder returned to the matchday squad against his former club Brighton after missing the opening day win over Fulham and the Carabao Cup second round victory at home to Luton Town.
However, the Chelsea No25 lasted all of 14 minutes before limping off to be replaced by another ex-Brighton man in Valentin Barco.
Caicedo was visibly upset as he made his way off the pitch and has not been seen since, missing games against Arsenal, Leeds and Hull.
“Let's see for Brentford, but unluckily not at the moment to take risks with him,” Alonso said of the midfielder before the 2-2 draw at home to Hull. “Not yet, we are not there yet.”
There were reports of Caicedo returning for the Brentford game, potentially on the bench.
Alonso said on Thursday: “He's getting closer and tomorrow we will take the final decision in the team and in the squad that is coming to Brentford.”
Potential return date: September 18 vs Brentford (a)
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 has been 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 about Henderson before the 2-1 loss to Arsenal and provided an encouraging update, saying: “He has been training very well, but it is still frustrating for him that, even though it is his arm, it is taking that long.
“I think he is in the last stage of his recovery.”
Henderson has been in full training this week and appears to be winning his battle to be in contention for a reunion with Brentford.
Potential return date: September 18 vs Brentford (a)
Marco Palestra
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 six games so far this season.
Like Caicedo, the Italian sustained a minor knock in training before the win over Fulham and his recovery has taken a little longer than expected.
Alonso said: “He's quite frustrated after a very good pre-season not to be able to play and to make his debut in the Premier League.
“But I told Marco, ’Easy, the season is long, there will be a lot of games, and you will play your role, you will have your minutes, you will enjoy your game.’
“He is full of energy, and you need to control that.”
In a boost for Palestra’s hopes of finally making his Premier League bow against Brentford, he appeared to have taken part in training on Tuesday.
Asked about Palestra and Henderson on Thursday, Alonso said: “Tomorrow, final decision.
“Sorry mate, I'm repeating but your questions are the same I think that before the players know it, we need to assess all the decisions with the last training and tomorrow we will take the decision for the game in Brentford.”
Potential return date: September 18 vs Brentford (a)
Emmanuel Emegha
Emmanuel Emegha’s start to life as a Chelsea player has been disrupted by an injury sustained in pre-season.
The knock came at the worst possible time for the summer arrival from Strasbourg as he was in fine form beforehand, netting three goals in behind-closed-doors friendlies.
The striker is nearing a position where he will be available for selection, but it remains to be seen if he gets a call-up to the matchday squad before or after the international break.
Potential return date: September 18 vs Brentford (a)
Reece James
Reece James was not involved in the first part of a training session at Cobham on Tuesday that was open to Sky Sports.
Asked if there were any concerns over his captain on Thursday, Alonso responded: “No, it was just a decision for Tuesday and we see his development and tomorrow we will decide.”
Potential return date: September 18 vs Brentford (a)
