Xabi Alonso issues verdict on Chelsea star ahead of Brentford reunion

Veteran could make bow for his new club against old employers

Henderson has yet to make his competitive debut for the Blues owing to a wrist injury suffered in the aftermath of England’s World Cup last-16 victory over Mexico in the summer.

The 36-year-old is, however, closing in on a return to fitness and could be asked to help remedy the west Londoners’ issues in midfield, with Moises Caicedo a doubt for tomorrow’s trip to the Gtech Community Stadium.

Henderson is himself a doubt and will be assessed ahead of kick-off, but with Reece James also struggling for fitness, Alonso is short of options in the middle of the park.

No one in the Chelsea squad knows Brentford better than Henderson, who spent last season at the west London club before cancelling his contract to join the Blues, and Alonso has full confidence that the veteran midfielder can make a difference on and off the pitch.

“We analysed that we wanted to have good balance between maturity, between experience, talent, energy, and that’s why we have taken a step forward, and we have improved, I think in that part,” the Spaniard said on Thursday.

Chelsea initially pursued a move for Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, who had worked under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, before pivoting to Henderson as they looked to add experience to their team.

The club also signed 35-year-old striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton. The former England international has made a productive start despite limited minutes, scoring three goals in two games in the Carabao Cup.

Experienced understudy: Danny Welbeck

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Welbeck looks set to lead the line against Brentford, with Joao Pedro not called up to Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the international break due to injury.

Alonso insists that the Brazilian, who has three goals and three assists this season, will continue to be assessed and did not reveal whether the 24-year-old was injured.

“I want to prefer is to be cautious and wait until tomorrow. We still have time,” Alonso continued.

Nonetheless, Welbeck is expected to replace Joao Pedro if he is ruled out, and Alonso has no doubt that he will be ready if called upon.

“It is about having a complete squad, and about knowing that everyone is ready to play if needed. But Danny, Jordan, Estevao, Geovany [Quenda], Jorrel [Hato], many players that all of them, they have to be ready.

“This is professional football, and you need to know that when you are needed, you need to be prepared for that.”