Five things spotted in Chelsea training before Brentford as Xabi Alonso drops starting XI hint

The Chelsea players have been working hard to prepare for Friday night's clash against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Xabi Alonso put the Chelsea players through their paces ahead of Friday night's clash against Brentford, desperate to return to winning ways following a disappointing draw to Hull City last weekend.

Speaking to reporters at Cobham training ground on Thursday afternoon, the Blues manager acknowledged the 'big challenge' at hand. When asked how his side has prepared to nullify the Bees, who, under Keith Andrews, relish fast transitions, set pieces, and long throws, Alonso said: "Yes, they do that very well, but not just that.

"They do other things, not just the transition, not just the set pieces. I think that it is a club that they have developed their project and their game very well. They are very complete in many aspects with the ball, without the ball.

"So you see the numbers and it is great. They have great strength playing at home, so it is going to be a big challenge. I saw the game from last year, so you learn from everything and tomorrow it is going to be a big test for us."

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Alonso added: "We know that [the] Premier League is very difficult to control the whole game, but to be able to adapt and to feel that you are the awareness that is needed is very important.

"For sure, we've had four or five weeks since we started. This is going to be the seventh game in this block. It's an important one because it's before the international break, because it's Premier League, because it's away against Brentford, and it's tough. So we will have to play with a high-demand game."

Chelsea duo return to action

Jordan Henderson and Marco Palestra were back in action at Cobham this week. The former, who fractured his arm following England's win over Mexico at the World Cup and later required surgery, was no longer sporting a cast, although his wrist appeared to be supported by a bandage.

The latter suffered a knock in the build-up to the opening weekend of the new Premier League season, and he's not played since. Palestra made a great impression during the pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, playing both left and right wing-back.

The 21-year-old defender looked set to be a key player for Chelsea, particularly in the early stages of the campaign, having largely played in a back-three last term. Alonso will have been delighted to welcome Henderson and Palestra back to first-team training this week, but anything more than a second-half cameo could be too much too soon, as they each look to rebuild their fitness.

Hato wants to redeem himself

Jorrel Hato was, of course, at fault for the Hull City equaliser scored by Mohamed Belloumi last weekend, when he misjudged the flight of the ball inside the Chelsea box, and he's subsequently in danger of losing his place in the starting lineup.

But the 20-year-old defender appears to have reacted well to the setback, upping the ante on the grass at Cobham. During one particular drill, in which they had to complete a number of passes in a rondo before transitioning from an attack to a defence scenario, Hato dived into a tackle on Geovany Quenda.

Fortunately, the Netherlands international slammed on the brakes before making contact with his Chelsea teammate, but he managed to dispossess the opposition. With Pep Chavarria banging on Alonso's door for a start, Hato was certainly keen to make a good impression.

Pedro absent

Joao Pedro was nowhere to be seen in Chelsea training. The 24-year-old striker recently pulled out of the Brazil squad ahead of the upcoming international break due to 'injury'.

On Thursday afternoon, Alonso was asked to provide an update. The Blues boss said: "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 for Friday, so I prefer to be cautious and we will wait until tomorrow to take the final decision on every player."

Alonso then refused to confirm the nature of the problem. The Spaniard also claimed it's a 'possibility' that Pedro features at the Gtech Community Stadium, but remains stationed at the club's training base in Surrey over the next couple of weeks.

Chelsea youngsters involved

Reggie Watson, Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, and Tayo Subuloye have recently been involved in Chelsea training. So far this season, the Cobham prospects have been the greatest beneficiaries of a streamlined squad, banking valuable time on the grass alongside the likes of Alonso, his coaching staff, and the senior players.

Alonso drops team news hint

During one particular session, which appeared to be some sort of small-sided game, Alonso seemed to drop a starting-lineup hint with his team selection. Henderson, Wesley Fofana, Pedro Neto, and Danny Welbeck were spotted wearing orange bibs, while Hato went without.

With all things considered, with the Dutchman in danger of losing his place in the side and Joao Pedro potentially unavailable for selection due to injury, the Chelsea manager may have wanted to take a closer look at the dynamic of the quartet...