Alonso João Pedro fitness update: Chelsea boss says the striker and Reece James could face Brentford after final checks before kick-off

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso on Friday, 18 September 2026, confirmed that João Pedro and Reece James remain in contention for Chelsea’s Premier League meeting with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium in London.

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The pair had raised fitness concerns ahead of the west London derby, but Alonso said neither player had been ruled out as Chelsea prepared for their final training session before the 8pm kick-off.

“In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session tomorrow so no-one is ruled out for us,” Alonso said.

The  update will be particularly important for Chelsea, given the Brazilian striker’s influential start to the campaign.

João Pedro withdrew from Brazil’s squad for the upcoming international break, prompting questions over his availability for Chelsea. Alonso has nevertheless maintained that the 24-year-old could feature against Brentford.

“I prefer to be cautious and we will wait until tomorrow to take the final decision on every player,” Alonso said. “We will see tomorrow if Joao is ready to play, it’s a possibility.”

João Pedro has made an impressive start to life under Alonso. The striker scored twice and provided two assists in August as Chelsea opened their league campaign with wins over Fulham and Brighton, earning his first Premier League Player of the Month award.

He also scored Chelsea’s equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Hull City last weekend, taking his league tally to three goals alongside three assists in four appearances.

Reece James is another player whose availability remains uncertain. The Chelsea captain missed the beginning of Tuesday’s training session, although Alonso played down concerns over the defender.

“For Reece, it was just a decision for Tuesday and we see his development and tomorrow we will decide,” Alonso said.

Alonso also provided updates on Moisés Caicedo, Marco Palestra and Jordan Henderson as Chelsea assess their options before naming the squad.

“Moises is getting closer and tomorrow we will take the final decision on the team and on the squad that is coming to Brentford,” Alonso said.

Chelsea head into the fixture after surrendering a lead in their 2-2 draw with Hull at Stamford Bridge. The result followed another closely contested opening to Alonso’s Premier League tenure, with Chelsea having taken seven points from their first four league matches.

Brentford, meanwhile, have begun the campaign unbeaten in the league and have drawn their last three top-flight matches, according to Chelsea’s official preview.

The meeting at the Gtech Community Stadium is scheduled for 8pm UK time on Friday, with Chelsea looking to return to winning ways before the international break.

Also read: Harry Kane Speaks Out on Ballon d’Or After Record Season

Alonso’s final decisions on João Pedro, James and the other players under assessment are expected after the last training session, leaving Chelsea’s team selection open until shortly before kick-off.