Alonso: Jordan Henderson to miss Manchester United clash through illness

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso stressed the importance of his team putting in a strong performance against Manchester United in the Premier League. He said returning to the competition made it the most important one for the team and that the match would require a good performance.

Alonso explained that Estêvão was ready to start after preparing and training well, and said he hoped the player would enjoy the match and make a meaningful contribution. As for the possibility of playing Morgan Rogers as a centre-forward, he said it was too early to decide and that the team had other options.

Alonso revealed that Jordan Henderson would not play because of illness, not injury: he had been unwell the previous day, and then developed a fever on matchday. The Chelsea manager expected a difficult, intense match against Manchester United, pointing to the team’s strength and saying his players would have to give their best.