Chelsea could welcome back several key players for Friday’s Premier League trip to Brentford, with Xabi Alonso confirming that Joao Pedro, Reece James and Moises Caicedo have not been ruled out of the London derby.

Chelsea are hoping to put a difficult run of results behind them when they visit Brentford on Friday, and Alonso has provided an encouraging update on the availability of several important players.

The Blues have suffered a 2-1 defeat against Arsenal and were held to a 2-2 draw by newly promoted Hull City in their last two Premier League matches. Despite those setbacks, Chelsea have made a strong start in front of goal, scoring 18 times across their opening six matches in all competitions.

Their defensive record has been more concerning, however, with Alonso’s side conceding at least twice in all five of their games against Premier League opposition.

A trip to Brentford now provides Chelsea with an opportunity to respond, and they could have reinforcements available.

Joao Pedro Could Return Against Brentford

Alonso revealed that nobody in the squad has been ruled out for Friday’s game, although final decisions will be made after the team’s last training session.

Joao Pedro is among those hoping to return after missing training over the weekend and subsequently being left out of Brazil’s latest squad.

“We are having the last training session today. Nobody is ruled out for Friday. We will wait until tomorrow to make the final decision,” Alonso said.We will see tomorrow if he’s ready to play and we will make a decision.”

The Chelsea boss also played down any disappointment from Joao Pedro after missing out on Brazil selection, insisting the striker has already moved on from the summer.

“He has moved on from the summer, the World Cup, he has a great desire to have a great season. The summer is far away now,” Alonso said.

Reece James is another potential returnee. “No, it was just a decision for Tuesday. Tomorrow, we will decide,” Alonso said when asked about the Chelsea captain.

Moises Caicedo is also in contention to return, potentially giving Chelsea another boost in midfield.

Chelsea have not lost any of their last five Premier League meetings with Brentford, and another victory on Friday could move them into the top-four picture.

Alonso Calls for Patience as Chelsea Build

Alonso was also asked about Arsenal’s perfect start and whether the Premier League champions are already looking unstoppable.

The Chelsea boss rejected the idea that the title race can be judged this early in the season.

“It’s too early to tell. Arsenal and City have won all their games but there are still so many games left,” he said. You realise how tough it is to win. You get punished when you’re not at your best level.”

Alonso also addressed the latest changes to Chelsea’s ownership structure after Todd Boehly and Mark Walter agreed to sell their 25 per cent stake to majority shareholders Clearlake Capital in a deal reportedly valuing the club at £5 billion.

The Spaniard thanked the outgoing shareholders while welcoming the increased control of Clearlake co-owner Behdad Eghbali.

“I want to thank the former owners for what they have done. I know they have played an important role,” Alonso said. It is good that Behdad is now in full control. I have a good relationship with Behdad. He spoke to convince me (to join). We move on together.”

For Alonso, however, Chelsea’s ambitions cannot be fulfilled overnight.

The club are targeting a return to the Premier League’s upper reaches, but the former Real Madrid coach believes building a successful team requires patience.

“That’s why we are here, to get into that position, knowing the competition that we have, but for sure the ambition of the club, the potential of the club, the players, where we are,” he said. “We know where we want to be. Everything takes time.”

Chelsea will hope that time also brings greater defensive stability, while the potential returns of Joao Pedro, James and Caicedo could provide an immediate boost against Brentford.

Chelsea could welcome back Joao Pedro, Reece James and Moises Caicedo against Brentford after Xabi Alonso confirmed none have been ruled out.