Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Marco Palestra will miss his second consecutive Premier League match. The 21-year-old Italy international had completed his transfer to Chelsea from Atalanta for a reported €60m in the summer. Palestra had impressed with his performances for Chelsea during pre-season and was expected to make his Premier League debut. However, an unspecified injury issue has kept him waiting.
Alonso has instead named Malo Gusto at right wing-back and Jorrel Hato on the left for Chelsea's second Premier League match of the 2026-27 season, against Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.