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Henderson and Welbeck start for Chelsea against Brentford
Brentford Chelsea Chelsea injury news
Premier League

Henderson and Welbeck start for Chelsea against Brentford

Alonso makes four changes to his starting XI.

Jordan Henderson has been handed a surprise start for Chelsea against Brentford, while Danny Welbeck takes the place of the injured Joao Pedro in the lineup.

The midfielder makes his debut for the Blues against his former club after recovering from a broken arm, which he suffered during the FIFA World Cup this past summer.

Welbeck makes his first Premier League start since joining the west London outfit from Brighton in the summer. The striker comes in for Pedro, who had to withdraw from the Brazil squad this week with an injury.

Malo Gusto and Romeo Lavia drop to the bench, with Maxence Lacroix, Pep Chavarria and Valentin Barco drafted in as Xabi Alonso reverts to a back three.

Like Pedro, Reece James has no place in the Chelsea match day squad, while Marco Palestra remains sidelined by injury.

Henderson and Welbeck start for Chelsea against Brentford:

Brentford XI: Kelleher, Kayode, Schuster, Ajer, Lewis-Potter, Damsgaard, Janelt, Anthony, Yarmoluik, Schade, Igor Thiago.

Subs: Balcombe, Hickey, Henry, Ouattara, Wilson, Carvalho, Sangare, Diouf, Fredrick.

Chelsea XI: Martinez, Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill, Neto, Henderson, Barco, Chavarria, Palmer, Rogers, Welbeck.

Subs: Penders, Gittens, Hato, Quenda, Gusto, Nicoll-Jazuli, Acheampong, Estevao, Lavia.

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