Chelsea still without Caicedo for Luton cup tie

Chelsea will still be without Moises Caicedo and recent signing Marco Palestra for Thursday’s Carabao Cup second-round tie at home to Luton Town, manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed.

The Blues are hoping key midfielder Caicedo will be back in the squad for this weekend’s match against his former club Brighton.

Alonso said: “Hopefully Moi can make it for the weekend. We need to check a little bit more with Marco.”

Asked if goalkeeper Mike Penders could play, Alonso said: “We will decide and give the team tomorrow to the players. I prefer they know first.”

Penders is expected to get a chance to stake a claim for a regular place, with current first-choice keeper Robert Sanchez again in the spotlight after mistakes, this time in Monday’s 3-2 win at Fulham.

Meanwhile, Alonso insisted that Enzo Fernandez will feature against Luton despite doubts over his  Chelsea future.

Manchester City are expected to make an offer for the midfielder.

But Alonso said: “We expect that he’s involved.

“He’s trained. He’s training really well. He’s a good professional and he will be involved.”