Sports

Chelsea Receive Injury Boost Ahead Of Brentford Clash [Premier League Matchday 5 Fixtures]

Published September 18, 2026 at 10:09 AM

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso speaking ahead of a Premier League game.

Key Takeaways

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said no Chelsea player has been ruled out of Friday’s Premier League clash against Brentford, with decisions due after training.
Alonso said Joao Pedro is in contention to return, while he will decide on Reece James after missing Tuesday, and Moises Caicedo is getting closer.
Premier League Matchday five fixtures run September 18 to September 20, including Brentford vs Chelsea at 8pm and Fulham vs Manchester United at 4:30pm.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has delivered a positive injury update ahead of his side’s Premier League meeting with Brentford, confirming that no player has been ruled out of today’s fixture.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Alonso said Chelsea would assess the squad after the final training session, with Joao Pedro among those in contention to return. “In terms of injuries and the 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,” he said.

Alonso also provided updates on Pedro, Reece James and Moises Caicedo. Asked whether Pedro was disappointed to miss out on the Brazil squad, the manager said: “No, 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.”

On James, Alonso said: “No, it was just a decision for Tuesday. Tomorrow (today), we will decide.” He also revealed that Caicedo is nearing a return, adding: “He’s getting closer and tomorrow we will make the final decision.”

Below are the full Premier League Matchday 5 Fixtures:

Friday, September 18
Brentford vs Chelsea, 8pm

Saturday, September 19
Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa, 12:30pm
Everton vs Ipswich Town, 3pm
Brighton vs Arsenal, 3pm
Newcastle United vs Hull City, 3pm
Nottingham Forest vs Coventry City, 5:30pm

Sunday, September 20
Bournemouth vs Liverpool, 2pm
Manchester City vs Sunderland, 2pm
Leeds United vs Crystal Palace, 2pm
Fulham vs Manchester United, 4:30pm

Author:

Ernest Victor

Victor Ernest Osong is a passionate communicator, teacher, poet, well-trained journalist, creative strategist, purpose-driven storyteller, and realist. With a strong foundation in writing, editing, content development, and leadership, he specializes in shaping narratives that inform, inspire, and ignite action. Email: [email protected]