Xabi Alonso on ‘competitive monster’ Jordan Henderson and Chelsea absentees

Xabi Alonso has described Jordan Henderson as a ‘competitive monster’ after handing the midfielder his Chelsea debut at Brentford and explained why Reece James and Joao Pedro are absent this evening.

Henderson joined the Blues on a free transfer this summer, but his Blues bow has been delayed due to the broken arm he sustained while away with England at this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

The 36-year-old has diligently undertaken his recovery at Cobham over the past six weeks and is now ready to make his Chelsea debut – and it comes against the club with whom he spent the previous campaign.

On including Henderson in his side against Brentford, Alonso said: ‘The Premier League is about competing and Jordan is a competitive monster.

‘I’m sure he will help the team with his quality, his game intelligence and the communication he has. We’re happy to have him back.’

Alonso has been unable to call upon several players at the Gtech Community Stadium, with James and Joao Pedro joining Marco Palestra, Moises Caicedo and Emmanuel Emegha on the sidelines.

‘Reece picked up a little injury in the last game against Hull and was feeling short in his recovery,’ Alonso explained ahead of tonight’s game.

‘Joao we tried, but we expect to use the international break for him to be back in the next game against Bournemouth.’

The Brazilian’s absence means Danny Welbeck makes his full Premier League debut for the Blues, and will form part of an attack that includes Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.

‘You need to adapt to the qualities of the players and get the benefit of what they do well,’ Alonso explained when asked what Welbeck will offer as part of our front three.

‘We know Danny is a reference and links very well. He is intelligent and knows where to play, and if we have a front three that works well it will be better for the team.’