Marco Palestra remains sidelined for Chelsea ahead of Carabao Cup match

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed that Marco Palestra will miss the upcoming Carabao Cup match against Leeds United due to injury. The 21-year-old Italy international, who signed for a reported €57 million this summer, has yet to make his competitive debut for the club. Palestra sustained the injury shortly before Chelsea's Premier League opener against Fulham and continues to work toward a return. Alonso described the situation as frustrating but emphasized that the staff intends to manage his recovery carefully rather than risk an early return. Fellow teammate Moises Caicedo is also unavailable for the fixture. Chelsea acquired Palestra after his successful loan stint at Cagliari, where he made 37 Serie A appearances last season.

• 5:25 PMYahoo Sports — Chelsea confirm ‘frustrating’ Palestra injury and wait for first match