Argentina international likely to feature for Chelsea against the Hatters

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Argentina World Cup star Enzo Fernández will be involved against Luton during this evening’s Carabao Cup second round tie at Stamford Bridge.

The 25-year-old’s future in West London remains increasingly uncertain, having been suspended by the club for two matches last season after expressing a desire to leave amid reports of interest from Real Madrid. However, a move away hasn’t materialised yet, although Manchester City are said to be interested in a deal that could be worth around £120m for a player who still has six years left on his contract, before next Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Despite the situation, Fernandez, who came off the bench to a mixed reception from Blues supporters when Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 in their Premier League opener on Monday night, remains available for selection against the Hatters, as speaking on Wednesday, Alonso said: “Yes, we expect that he's involved. He's trained, he's training really well, he's a good professional and he will be involved. We want to have the best team possible. We know his qualities, he has shown it and we have to wait, but we will think about tomorrow and let's see how things develop."

Two players are definitely out for the hosts, with key midfielder Moises Caicedo and summer signing from Serie A club Atalanta, Italian international Marco Palestra, both absent. Alonso continued: “During the week they had a few setbacks. With Moi – and with any (player) – we don’t want to take too much risk. They weren’t ready to play and not for tomorrow, both won’t make it. Let’s see, hopefully Moi could make it for the weekend, but we need to check a little bit more with Marco. Otherwise everyone from Monday is okay, Cole (Palmer) is absolutely fine."

One change that Alonso could make is in goal after Spanish international Robert Sanchez came in for some major criticism for his performance against Fulham, beaten at his near post by Josh King for the Cottagers’ leveller. With Belgian U21 international Mike Penders waiting in the wings after a fine season on loan at Strasbourg last term, Alonso continued: “Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first."

Meanwhile, there could be debuts handed to summer signing, experienced striker Danny Welbeck, plus fellow forward Emmanuel Emegha, who joined from Strasbourg around 12 months ago. Another recent addition, England international Jordan Henderson isn’t ready to play yet, as Alonso added: “Danny and Emma, yes (they will be in contention to face Luton).

"Danny can be involved, he just needed a couple of days not training that much because of a little thing. We need to go day by day, but that is the plan at the moment. With the other players, let’s see. Jordan will take a little bit longer. I'm not a doctor and I don't have the data. We need to wait until we know more.”