Chelsea Receive Boost As Xabi Alonso Allowed To Select Defender vs Brighton

Previewing Chelsea's Premier League home fixture against Brighton.

Chelsea will receive a welcome boost against Brighton and Hove Albion as Wesley Fofana returns to selection availability.

It's the first time this season Fofana will be available after he served a two-match ban for his red card against Sunderland on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign at the Stadium of Light.

Fofana's red card marked a disappointing end to the campaign as Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat, finishing 10th and missing out on European football entirely.

The consequences of Fofana's red card continued into this season, with the 25-year-old missing the wins over Fulham in the Premier League and then Luton Town to progress in the Carabao Cup.

But Fofana has now served his punishment and is ready to return to selection, giving Alonso a decision to make as he makes his final calls over who to include in his starting XI against Brighton on Sunday afternoon at Stamford Bridge.

It is now a matter of whether Alonso wants to stick with continuity or make a change by bringing Fofana back into the fold.

With Alonso expected to start with a back three once again, the availability of Fofana gives the Chelsea manager an additional option.

Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill look nailed on to start at the back, as they become the regular two as part of Chelsea's defence this season.

Reece James has been playing in midfield under Alonso, so he is likely to continue alongside Moises Caicedo, should the Ecuadorian be ready to make his first appearance of the season after returning to training following an issue.

It looks likely that the third centre-back spot will go to either Fofana or Josh Acheampong. The latter started against both Fulham and Luton in Fofana's absence and grasped the opportunity with both hands by producing two excellent performances, proving he can be relied on when called upon.

He added: "He can play in different positions, he’s good with the ball, he understands. I’ve seen in these few weeks that we’ve been together, he’s played very solid games against Fulham and (against Luton). We are happy that he’s feeling this way.

"We need to help him. There will be movements in the season for sure because we want to have healthy competition in many positions. Josh is doing well, we’re happy and he’s happy."

If Acheampong retains his place in the side, Fofana can only wait patiently because it will be well deserved. If Fofana replaces him, Acheampong can count himself very unlucky, but it offers a chance to the Frenchman to show why he should be given a run in the side.

Whoever Alonso picks, Chelsea will focus on keeping their first league clean sheet and starting to right their poor recent record against the Seagulls.