Xabi Alonso explains why Caicedo and Palestra missed Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Fulham, revealing both players suffered minor fitness setbacks

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said on Monday, August 24, 2026, that Moisés Caicedo and Marco Palestra missed Chelsea’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage because of minor fitness setbacks suffered during the week.

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The pair were notable absentees from Alonso’s first competitive match in charge of Chelsea, with the Spanish manager instead selecting a starting XI that included new arrivals Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix.

Chelsea ultimately secured an encouraging opening-day victory, although Fulham pushed the visitors throughout an entertaining west London derby.

Speaking after the match, Alonso explained that the decision to leave Caicedo and Palestra out was precautionary rather than tactical.

“They had minor setbacks during the week, so they were not fit to play tonight,” Alonso said.

The manager’s comments will offer Chelsea supporters some reassurance, particularly given Caicedo’s importance to the team’s midfield.

The Ecuador international has become a key figure at Stamford Bridge since joining Chelsea and would normally be expected to play a significant role under Alonso.

Palestra, meanwhile, was also unavailable as Alonso began his competitive tenure with a number of new faces in the squad.

Despite the absences, Chelsea made a spectacular start at Craven Cottage.

João Pedro opened the scoring after just 31 seconds, finishing over goalkeeper Bernd Leno after Cole Palmer created the opportunity.

The early goal gave Alonso’s side immediate momentum, although Chelsea were unable to maintain complete control of the contest.

Fulham responded through Josh King, whose low effort beat Robert Sánchez at his near post in the 23rd minute.

Chelsea regained the lead shortly before half-time when Morgan Rogers finished from Maxence Lacroix’s cut-back.

Palmer then added Chelsea’s third four minutes after the restart, calmly finishing through Leno’s legs after João Pedro sent him through.

Fulham reduced the deficit almost immediately when Gonzalo García headed in after Sánchez had parried Timothy Castagne’s effort.

The hosts continued to threaten in the closing stages, but Chelsea held on for three points and gave Alonso a winning start to his Premier League reign.

For Alonso, the performances of Rogers and Lacroix were among the encouraging elements of the evening.

The Chelsea manager specifically highlighted the two summer arrivals after the match.

“New faces debut for us, Morgan and Max, and they are going to play important roles through the year,” Alonso said.

Rogers justified that confidence by scoring Chelsea’s second goal, while Lacroix provided the assist with a precise cut-back.

The victory therefore gave Alonso an early indication of the options available to him, even with Caicedo and Palestra unavailable.

Chelsea will nevertheless hope the fitness concerns affecting the pair prove short-lived. With a demanding domestic and European schedule ahead, Alonso will need as many of his first-team players available as possible.

The immediate priority, however, is positive. Chelsea have three points from their opening league fixture and an attacking performance that offered plenty of encouragement.

The victory also provides Alonso with breathing space as he continues to introduce his methods and establish his preferred team.

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For Caicedo and Palestra, the next step will be a return to full fitness and a chance to compete for places in a Chelsea side that has made a promising start under its new manager.