Xavi Alonso has named a rotated Chelsea XI for tonight’s Carabao Cup clash with Leeds.
One player that is missing, however, is Moises Caicedo, who sat out the first two games of Chelsea’s season and only lasted 14 minutes on his return against his former club Brighton as he was forced off with pain.
After the midfielder 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 his old employers.
Jordan Henderson has not played for Chelsea yet due to his wrist injury suffered at the World Cup and Alonso once again ruled him out. The England international and Emmanuel Emegha are not involved here.
As such, it means a start for Mike Penders in net, stepping in for first-choice Emi Martinez.
In the back three, Levi Colwill steps back into the side to replace Wesley Fofana from the weekend, while Pep Chavarria gets the nod at wing-back.
Valentin Barco is handed his first Chelsea start alongside youngster Reggie Watson, and so is Danny Welbeck.
Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are rested for Estevao and Jamie Gittens, while Joao Pedro is on the bench.
Chelsea XI: Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Barco, Watson, Chavarria; Estevao, Gittens; Welbeck
Subs: Martinez, Fofana, Hato, James, Neto, Palmer, Quenda, Rogers, Joao Pedro
Time and date: 8pm BST on Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Venue: Stamford Bridge
TV: Sky Sports Main Event
