Alonso on Caicedo's fitness, Fernandez's exit and midfield options
Alonso on Caicedo's fitness, Fernandez's exit and midfield options
Nat Hayward - BBC Sport journalistFri, September 4, 2026 at 1:08 PM UTC
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Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium (16:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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Alonso gave an update on Moises Caicedo's fitness: "We will check tomorrow. Tomorrow is the last decision for the squad on Sunday." He added that summer signing Jordan Henderson is "getting closer and closer to playing time".
On Enzo Fernandez's deadline-day move to Manchester City: "We take all the decisions together. We work together with big ones, small ones. We knew, ultimately, the goal is to have the best for the team. We want to build a good spirit, a good team."
On the circumstances surrounding Fernandez's exit: "In football, many things happen. With Enzo, we have had conversations and always with respect. What he has done for the club has been great, but now it's time to move forward. We have players with quality in every position and now we are ready to go."
Alonso was also asked about a late move for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara collapsing: "I think that we are prepared and happy with the squad and the depth we have. It's a good balance of players from different stages. We need to build that energy during the week to perform at the weekends. So far, it has been a good start and now we know who is in the building. It's good to have that certainty."
On Chelsea's summer business as a whole: "We can be very happy with the whole transfer window. What we starting talking about in May and early June - many things we have. It is a very balanced phase one we have made in this transfer window. Phase one is completed - it's a good one for now and for the future."
On summer signing Morgan Rogers, who had previously been heavily linked with a move to Sunday's opponents: "For sure, Morgan was a big, big one to get a player of his stature - in the present and future. He will be a key player for the next six, seven years. He's had a great impact."
On his midfield options: "Valentin [Barco] is young but he has a great energy. Hendo [Henderson] has the composure and the mentality. Hendo knows what is going on in the game, he's getting closer and closer to playing time. Reece [James] as well, Malo [Gusto]. [Reggie] Watson and Mahdi [Nicoll-Jazuli] from the academy. We have options, quality and competitiveness."
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