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Chelsea confirms Colwill fit; Caicedo, Palestra out vs Leeds

9/9/2026

23 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Chelsea Hosts Leeds

Chelsea will host Leeds United in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday.
Xabi Alonso said midfielder Moises Caicedo and full-back Marco Palestra will miss the match.
Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha remain sidelined with injuries.
Defender Levi Colwill is fit and expected to start for Chelsea.
Chelsea have a perfect ten-of-ten domestic cup record against Leeds.

Summary

Chelsea Manager Cups

Chelsea manager said cup fixtures are vital for giving minutes to the whole squad now there’s no European football.
He praised Este’s attitude and mentality as essential for daily preparation.
He expressed frustration over Marco Palestra’s injury, noting his pre-season energy and potential impact.
He warned the team must become “meaner” and increase physicality to match Arsenal.

History

Historical Context

Chelsea’s current cup ambitions echo a late-1990s shift toward squad rotation that helped Arsenal secure a league-cup double in 1998 and Manchester United capture a historic treble in 1999, winning their 10th FA Cup. Those precedents illustrate how rotating players, as Xabi Alonso does today, sustains fitness and broadens silverware chances.

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Chelsea Hosts Leeds

Chelsea will host Leeds United in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday.
Xabi Alonso said midfielder Moises Caicedo and full-back Marco Palestra will miss the match.
Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha remain sidelined with injuries.
Defender Levi Colwill is fit and expected to start for Chelsea.
Chelsea have a perfect ten-of-ten domestic cup record against Leeds.

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