Xabi Alonso has excluded a Chelsea player from the first team. The ban extends to the Carabao Cup game against Leeds.
Chelsea also rejected a midfielder. They might have added another option in the middle. They have worries in that area but still declined. The club was able 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 came out before the kickoff delay. The delay pushed back the start. The match began 15 minutes late. The game got underway after the wait. Chelsea claimed a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on August 15, 2026.