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Alonso provides Marco Palestra injury update ahead of Hull City clash
12th September, 2026 08:08 AM
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso expects Marco Palestra to be available before the next international break, although the young defender is still recovering from an injury.
Palestra, who joined Chelsea from Atalanta during the summer transfer window, has not yet made his competitive debut for the club after picking up an injury shortly before the Premier League season opener against Fulham.
The 21-year-old impressed during Chelsea’s pre-season campaign, featuring prominently during the club’s tour of Australia and Asia before also making an impression at Stamford Bridge against Real Sociedad.
Alonso has now revealed that Palestra suffered a quad injury but believes the Italian is approaching the end of his rehabilitation.
“The injury is something on the quad,” said Alonso. “He’s almost in the last stages of the recovery, so we will see. If not [fit for] Brentford, then Bournemouth for sure.”
The setback has frustrated Palestra after he enjoyed a strong build-up to the new campaign and appeared to be in contention for an early opportunity in Alonso’s squad.
However, Alonso has urged the defender not to become impatient, stressing that there will be plenty of opportunities to contribute throughout the season.
“He’s quite frustrated after a very good pre-season not to be able to play and to make his debut in the Premier League,” Alonso acknowledged.
“But I told Marco, “Easy, the season is long, there will be a lot of games, and you will play your role, you will have your minutes, you will enjoy your game.”
The Chelsea boss also believes Palestra’s energetic approach will be an asset once he returns, although the youngster will need to manage that enthusiasm carefully.
“He is full of energy, and you need to control that.” He said.
Hull City visits Stamford Bridge
Chelsea host Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, September 12, 2026, as Alonso’s side continue their Premier League campaign, with Palestra still working towards his first competitive appearance for the club.
The Blues go into the meeting sitting fourth in the league, while Hull have emerged as one of the early surprises of the campaign. The Tigers are currently third and, remarkably, have yet to concede in their opening three league matches.
Only Charlton Athletic in 1998 and Huddersfield Town in 2017 had previously kept clean sheets in each of their first three Premier League games after promotion.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will be hoping his team can maintain their strong start while ending an unusual run against newly promoted sides at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have gone four home league games without beating a promoted opponent since successive victories over Southampton and Leicester City in 2025.
