Chelsea XI vs Fulham: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League today

Welbeck had been spotted training individually at Cobham on Friday morning, raising concerns that he may be an injury doubt for Xabi Alonso’s first competitive game in charge.The veteran forward, a summer signing from Brighton, has been managing a small unspecified issue, but Alonso has confirmed that he will be available for selection at Craven Cottage.Alonso also confirmed that those who had returned late following the World Cup would be available for selection despite a limited pre-season.That includes wantaway midfielder Fernandez, who remains heavily linked to Manchester City despite Chelsea’s self-imposed deadline for clubs to meet their £120million valuation passing without any bids.On Fernandez, Alonso refused to say whether the 25-year-old had personally told him that he wanted to stay at the club.Centre of attention: Enzo Fernandez will start for Chelsea against FulhamGettyHowever, he did go on to praise the Argentine’s attitude since returning to training 10 days ago and said he would be ready to play against Fulham.“Enzo is a Chelsea player. He is a top, top player. He's training really well since he started 10 days ago with the team, very integrated, and we are happy with him, and he's getting ready for Monday,” Alonso continued.Elsewhere, Emmanuel Emegha returned to training last week, having missed the majority of pre-season with a hamstring injury.Read MoreYoung centre-back Aaron Anselmino is still struggling with a hamstring injury picked up in the final friendly of Chelsea’s tour of Australia and Asia.It is unclear yet whether Alonso will opt for a three- or four-man defence against Fulham, having switched between both systems during pre-season.Either way, he is expected to start Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers alongside each other in a competitive game for the first time as Chelsea players.The pair started against Sociedad, with Rogers scoring his first Chelsea goal after making a club-record £117m transfer from Aston Villa.Chelsea’s bloated squad means Alonso has opted to train with two separate groups.Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Lacroix, Colwill, Hato; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Rogers; Joao PedroDoubts: Henderson, EmeghaTime and date: 8pm BST on Monday August 24, 2026