Chelsea injury, suspension news and return dates for Luton EFL Cup clash: Caicedo, Henderson, Palestra, Fofana latest

Chelsea will be looking to make it two wins out of two at the start of the 2026-27 season when they welcome Luton Town to Stamford Bridge for an EFL Cup second-round tie on Thursday night.

The Xabi Alonso era began on Monday when the Blues collected all three points in their first Premier League match courtesy of a 3-2 victory away against Fulham.

Last season’s EFL Cup semi-finalists now have just three days to prepare for their next fixture and will hope to welcome back a few star names to their squad.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of the fixture with Jack Wilshere’s Luton.

Jordan Henderson

© Iconsport / PA Images

Status: Out

Type of injury: Wrist

Possible return date: September 6, (vs. Arsenal)

Jordan Henderson is still recovering from a wrist injury that he suffered at the 2026 World Cup with England, and the midfield summer signing is not expected to return until next month.

Moises Caicedo

© Iconsport / Alamy

Status: Out

Type of injury: Unspecified

Possible return date: August 30 (vs. Brighton & Hove Albion)

Moises Caicedo was a surprise absentee from the Chelsea side that beat Fulham on Monday, with Alonso revealing after the game that the midfielder picked up an injury in training.

The 24-year-old's issue is not serious, but Wednesday's game will come too soon for the midfielder.

Marco Palestra 

© Imago / SPI

Status: Out

Type of injury: Unspecified

Possible return date: August 30 (vs. Brighton & Hove Albion)

Marco Palestra also missed Chelsea's win over Fulham after picking up an injury in training and the summer signing remains unavailable for selection.

Aaron Anselmino

© Imago / RHR-Foto

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: August 27 (vs. Luton Town)

Aaron Anselmino has been dealing with a hamstring injury and the midfielder is currently a doubt ahead of the clash with Luton.

CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST

Wesley Fofana

© Iconsport / David Klein/Sportimage

Return date: August 30 (vs. Brighton & Hove Albion)

Defender Wesley Fofana was sent off in the final match of the 2025-26 campaign against Sunderland and is serving the second of a two-game suspension.