Cole Palmer and Maxence Lacroix moment spotted in Chelsea training as Estevao Willian makes case

According to a report by Football London on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has received encouraging signs from Estevao Willian in training, while Reece James’ absence has raised concerns ahead of the Blues’ Premier League meeting with Everton.

several Chelsea players were pictured training at Cobham as preparations continued for Saturday’s encounter.

Chelsea head into the fixture with confidence after securing a convincing 5-1 victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. Jordan Henderson and Joao Pedro scored twice each, while Morgan Rogers also found the net.

The result lifted Chelsea to sixth place in the Premier League table, level on points with Everton in fifth and Brentford in fourth.

Moises Caicedo was among the players pictured working in the gym after making his return against Bournemouth. The Ecuadorian midfielder played 72 minutes before receiving a standing ovation when he was substituted.

“It feels so good to be back with the team and there is no better way to come back than with a win,” Caicedo said after the match. “It was a tough moment to be honest, I couldn’t be with the team, but now finally I am back. I just want to be with the team in every moment, so I’m so happy to come back.”

Another notable moment from training involved Cole Palmer and Maxence Lacroix. Palmer, who has registered four goals and three assists in eight appearances this season, was pictured taking on the French defender in a one-on-one drill.

Lacroix, who joined Chelsea from Crystal Palace for £52 million during the summer, has established himself as an important member of Alonso’s defence, starting seven of the club’s eight matches.

However, Reece James was not included in the training pictures released by Chelsea. The club captain missed the Bournemouth match after experiencing a knee problem during preparations for the game.

Alonso confirmed that further assessments would determine the length of James’ absence.

“Yeah, he felt something, but after we did the tests later in the afternoon. He had some little issues on the knee, so we need to check how long it will be. We will assess it week by week.”

Jamie Gittens, who is recovering from a foot injury, was also absent from the published training images.