Xabi Alonso has excluded a Chelsea player from the first team. The ban extends to the Carabao Cup game against Leeds.
Chelsea also said no to a midfielder. They could have added another option in the middle. They have worries in that area but still said no. The club had the chance to add midfield cover. The area still looks thin for the club. The club said no to that deal.
The starting lineup for Chelsea vs Leeds was released before the kickoff delay. The delay held up the start. The match kicked off 15 minutes late. The game got going after the wait. Chelsea secured a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on August 15, 2026.