In west London, Chelsea are preparing to leave the Brentford defeat behind with a potentially stronger squad for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth. João Pedro has returned to full training after the knee problem that ruled him out of Brazil’s latest international fixtures.
Xabi Alonso indicated that the forward could be included in the Chelsea group after working normally with his teammates on Friday. João Pedro had been absent from Brazil’s friendlies against Australia and India while recovering.
Quick facts
- João Pedro is available for consideration against Bournemouth after resuming full training.
- Moises Caicedo, Reece James, Palestra and Cole Palmer have also trained with the squad.
- Chelsea have seven points from five league matches and stand 10th.
- Brentford are fourth on nine points, six behind leaders Manchester City.
Alonso said several players had reached fitness at different stages, but the plan had been for them to return around this point. He explained that the club had known before the 3-0 loss at Brentford that members of the squad were carrying physical issues, yet their recent sessions had gone well and they are now ready.
Caicedo, captain Reece James, full-back Palestra and attacking midfielder Palmer were all described as physically well enough to train. Their availability would give Chelsea more options after a difficult opening stretch of the 2026-27 campaign.
João Pedro suffered the injury in mid-September during Chelsea’s league meeting with Hull City. He hurt his knee when landing following an aerial challenge, stayed on the pitch and scored, but continued to feel discomfort before subsequent medical checks led to his withdrawal from the Brazil squad.
Chelsea now head to Bournemouth seeking a response after collecting only seven points across their first five Premier League rounds. Brentford’s nine-point start has lifted them into the top four, while Manchester City hold a six-point advantage over them at the summit.
