Xabi Alonso has kept Joao Pedro and Reece James in the frame for Chelsea's Premier League Friday night trip to Brentford, saying no one has been ruled out for the match. He said the final decision on the team and squad will wait until Thursday, after the last training session.
That matters because Chelsea go into the game still trying to steady themselves after last week's 2-2 draw with Hull City at Stamford Bridge, and the manager is holding back on any early call. For readers searching Chelsea Vs now, the answer is not a clean yes or no: Pedro could still be ready, James' situation will be assessed after training, and the squad picture may only sharpen a day before kick-off.
Pedro's case is the one drawing the closest attention. He withdrew from the Brazil squad for the upcoming international break because of injury concerns, but Alonso said he remains a possibility for Friday. James is in a similar position after missing the start of training on Tuesday, with the manager saying his development will be watched through the final session before a decision is made.
Alonso also said Moises Caicedo is getting closer to returning to the matchday squad, leaving open the chance of another boost if the timing works out. He made clear, though, that Friday's selection will not be settled until Thursday, when Chelsea decide who is available and who is not for the trip to west London.
That leaves Chelsea with a short runway and little room for guesswork. Pedro may yet make it, James may yet be cleared, and the final word on both should come only after the session that decides the Brentford squad.
