Xabi Alonso hands Chelsea injury boost ahead of Brentford encounter

The Blues travel to the Gtech Community Stadium looking to respond after a 2-1 defeat by Arsenal and a 2-2 home draw against newly promoted Hull City.

Alonso confirmed that no player has been ruled out ahead of Chelsea's final training session before the game.

"In terms of injuries and the squad, we are having the last training session today," Alonso said.

"Nobody is ruled out for Friday. We will wait until tomorrow to make the final decision."

Joao Pedro is one of the players Chelsea will be monitoring closely after missing training at the weekend and being left out of Brazil's latest squad.

"We will see tomorrow if he's ready to play and we will make a decision," Alonso said.

The Chelsea boss also insisted that Pedro has already moved on from his disappointment at missing out on international selection.

"No, he has moved on from the summer, the World Cup, he has a great desire to have a great season. The summer is far away now," Alonso said.

James was left out of the team for Tuesday's game, but Alonso confirmed that the England international remains in consideration for Brentford.

"No, it was just a decision for Tuesday. Tomorrow, we will decide," he said.

Caicedo is another player who could return, giving Alonso potentially more options as Chelsea look to strengthen their midfield and improve their defensive record.

Chelsea have scored 18 goals in their opening six matches in all competitions, but they have conceded at least twice in each of their five Premier League matches so far.

Alonso knows his side will need to be at their best against Brentford, while he played down suggestions that Arsenal are already unstoppable in the title race.

"It's too early to tell. Arsenal and City have won all their games but there are still so many games left," he said.

"You realise how tough it is to win. You get punished when you're not at your best level."

Chelsea have gone unbeaten in their last five Premier League meetings with Brentford and will be looking to extend that run on Friday.

Alonso also addressed the latest change in Chelsea's ownership structure, with Todd Boehly and Mark Walter agreeing to sell their 25 per cent stake to majority shareholders Clearlake Capital.

The deal values Chelsea at around five billion pounds, with Behdad Eghbali set to take full control.

Alonso welcomed the change but stressed that building a successful team will take time.

"I think it is an important day for the club when there is an important change in the structure of the club," he said.

"I want to thank the former owners for what they have done. I know they have played an important role.

"It is good that Behdad is now in full control. I have a good relationship with Behdad. He spoke to convince me to join. We move on together."

Alonso believes Chelsea have the ambition and resources to challenge at the top, but said patience will be important.

"That's why we are here, to get into that position, knowing the competition that we have, but for sure the ambition of the club, the potential of the club, the players, where we are.

"We know where we want to be. Everything takes time."