XABI ALONSO RULES EMMANUEL EMEGHA OUT OF EVERTON MATCH

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says Emmanuel Emegha will miss the match against Everton after a minor problem in training delayed his return from a hamstring injury. The striker has yet to play for Chelsea this season. Alonso expects Emegha to resume training next week but says he remains short of full fitness. “When he’s fit, he’s very special because he’s 1.95 metres, he’s quick, he attacks the space, he’s a threat, so he needs to be fully fit,” Alonso said.

Chelsea signed Emegha for £21 million before loaning him to Strasbourg for the 2025-26 season, when he scored eight goals in 18 appearances. He scored against Crawley and Bromley in pre-season but later suffered a hamstring injury. Emegha took a place on the bench for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup win over Luton Town in August without playing. A hamstring problem also kept him out for nine games last season. Alonso blocked a proposed loan move for Emegha late in the summer transfer window.

Everton host Chelsea after six unbeaten league matches, with the clubs level on 10 points and Everton ahead on goal difference. David Moyes’ side twice surrendered the lead in a 2-2 draw at Hull City. Chelsea beat Bournemouth 5-1 in their previous match and have scored 15 league goals. Moisés Caicedo has returned to Chelsea’s midfield, while Jordan Henderson scored twice and provided an assist against Bournemouth. Captain Reece James remains unavailable after knee surgery.