Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said Danny Welbeck could play in the Premier League opener against Fulham on Saturday, despite a hamstring issue. The Blues may also miss up to four players, including suspended Wesley Fofana and injured Aaron Anselmino, while Fulham will be without Tom Cairney and Joachim Andersen.

Chelsea's Lineup Uncertainty

Alonso, who officially takes charge of the Blues for the first time in a West London derby, has a squad that could be missing up to four players. Suspended Wesley Fofana will not feature after a red card in last season’s final league game away at Sunderland. Centre‑back Aaron Anselmino remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during Chelsea’s final friendly on their tour of Australia and Asia. Additionally, Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap and Mykhailo Mudryk have been training away from the main squad and are unlikely to be involved.

Welbeck's Status

When asked about Welbeck, Alonso replied: “Danny can be involved, he just needed a couple of days not training that much because of a little thing. We expect him to be back training on Saturday. We need to go day by day, but that is the plan at the moment.” Welbeck has been recovering from a hamstring issue that caused him to miss most of pre‑season. He is expected to return to training on Saturday and could be selected for the match.

Injury and Suspension List

Other Chelsea players with concerns include Emmanuel Emegha, who returned to training last week after missing most of pre‑season with a hamstring issue, and Jordan Henderson, who is continuing recovery from a wrist injury sustained after England’s last‑16 win over Mexico at the World Cup in July. Marc Cucurella, the club’s standout departure, is no longer in the squad.

Fulham's Absences

Fulham will be without only two players for the match. Tom Cairney underwent a minor surgical procedure on his left knee earlier this month and will be in a rehab programme with the club’s medical staff, expected to return to training after the September international break. Joachim Andersen is suspended and will not feature.

Transfer Highlights

Chelsea’s summer transfer activity included eight new signings: Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson, Geovany Quenda, Maxence Lacroix and Morgan Rogers, the club’s most expensive arrival at £117 million. The Blues also saw Marc Cucurella depart from Stamford Bridge.

The match will take place at Craven Cottage, with Chelsea looking to secure a win in their Premier League opener against Fulham.