Henderson sidelined by illness; Estevao starts for Chelsea
Xabi Alonso says Jordan Henderson is ill and missed the Manchester United match, while Estevao makes his first league start of the 2026/27 season.
· Kickhell
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has explained why Jordan Henderson was left out of the squad for the Premier League match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. Alonso made four changes to his line-up, one of them forced by Henderson's absence.
"He's ill," Alonso revealed. "There's no injury, but he was not feeling well yesterday and today had a fever in the morning, so he was not feeling good enough to come with the team."
In another change, Alonso has picked Estevao, the Brazilian making his first league start of the 2026/27 season. Asked why now was the right time, Alonso said: "Because he's ready."
"Because he's been preparing and training well to be ready any time, whenever he's needed, and today he's needed and we hope that he enjoys his game, and he can have a good impact."
Estevao is expected to play in a four-pronged attack alongside Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers. Alonso has not yet said who will lead the line as central striker.
"It's too early to tell," the Spaniard said with a grin. "It's too early, so we will see. It could be Morgan, but we have options."
Chelsea sit fifth in the table with 13 points from eight matches, while Manchester United are 16th.
