Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra will not play in Chelsea's Carabao Cup match against Leeds due to injuries. Jordan Henderson is also out of the game due to a wrist injury suffered at the World Cup, while Emmanuel Emegha joins them on the sidelines. The predicted lineup for Chelsea features goalkeeper Mike Penders and midfielder Valentin Barco, who may start after being rested in previous games. The match will take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Stamford Bridge with a 8pm BST kickoff.
Written by the local model on 2026-09-08,
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Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has ruled out several key players for their Carabao Cup match against Leeds on September 9, 2026, including midfielder Enzo Caicedo due to an injury that isn't considered long-term. However, Alonso plans not to rush him back too soon, unlike in the team's previous game against Brighton. Additionally, wing-back Marco Palestra and midfielder Jordan Henderson are also out due to injuries. Henderson, who suffered a wrist injury at the World Cup, has not played for Chelsea yet this season. Alonso says he feels sorry for Palestra, who had a promising pre-season but picked up an injury just before the Fulham game. The manager is considering resting some players ahead of their next Premier League match against Hull City on Saturday.
Written for “Chelsea Carabao Cup Team News” on 2026-09-08,
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After Caicedo then missed the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, Xabi Alonso revealed the Ecuadorian’s injury is not “longer-term” but that he will not repeat “the same mistake” of bringing him back too soon against Brighton.
asserted
he → miss → Brighton
And Alonso said on Tuesday that both Caicedo and wing-back Marco Palestra remain absent and unavailable for the visit of Leeds.
asserted
Caicedo → say → Leeds
Jordan Henderson has not played for Chelsea yet due to his wrist injury suffered at the World Cup and Alonso has once again ruled him out.
asserted
Alonso → play → him
Alonso said it is not the time to “take a too-early risk” on Caicedo or Palestra and said he feels for the latter being unable to contribute early in the season as a new signing.
“He came with huge energy, huge desire to enjoy his game in the Premier League,” Alonso said.
asserted
Alonso → say → League
“He had a very good pre-season.
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He → have → season
Right in the days before Fulham, he picked up an injury.
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he → pick → injury
We will need him, for sure.
asserted
We → need → him
He will add a lot of good potential for the team.
asserted
He → add → team
Alonso may be minded to rest some players given that Saturday’s home Premier League clash with third-in-the-league Hull City is the priority.
uncertain
clash → mind → City
That could mean there may be starts against Leeds for the likes of goalkeeper Mike Penders, wing-back Pep Chavarria, midfielder Valentin Barco and centre-back Levi Colwill, who was rested against Arsenal amid a slight fitness issue.
uncertain
who → mean → issue
Colwill is fine to play, Alonso has said.
asserted
Alonso → play → ?
Chelsea predicted XI vs Leeds (3-4-2-1): Penders; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Barco, Lavia, Chavarria; Rogers, Palmer; Welbeck
Out: Caicedo, Palestra, Henderson, Emegha
Doubt: None
Time and date: 8pm BST on Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Venue: Stamford Bridge
TV: Sky Sports Main Event
asserted
Chelsea → predict → Wednesday
