Chelsea players Marco Palestra and Jordan Henderson near return

Chelsea players Marco Palestra and Jordan Henderson are nearing a return to action ahead of the club’s upcoming match against Brentford.

Palestra, a 21-year-old Italian wing-back signed from Atalanta for £47 million, has been sidelined since a quad injury sustained prior to the Premier League opener against Fulham. Having completed individual training recently, there is hope he will be available for Friday’s fixture. If not, manager Xabi Alonso expects him to return for the match against Bournemouth on October 10.

Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson is also returning to training following an unusual injury sustained during the World Cup in North America, where he suffered a broken arm. Henderson, who joined Chelsea as a free agent after leaving Brentford, may make his competitive debut this Friday. Other players, including Reece James and Joao Pedro, are also expected to be fit for the West London derby.