Marco Palestra
CHE
RWB (RW)
Overlapping Full Back
Mar 3, 2005 (21)
Both
6'1"
176 lb
ChelseaWill be assessed game by game
Palestra (undisclosed) will miss Wednesday's cup game against Leeds and will continue to be assessed on a game-by-game basis, according to head coach Xabi Alonso, per footbal london. "Not yet. He is not ready to go. It's not the moment to take too early of a risk. We'll go game by game with him, but it's too early."
Analysis: Palestra remains without a competitive appearance after suffering the injury shortly before the opener against Fulham, with Xabi Alonso continuing to take a match-by-match approach rather than setting a return date. The summer arrival from Atalanta had established himself as a regular starter during pre-season and was able to cover both left and right wing-back, with Pedro Neto and Jorrel Hato currently covering those positions. Palestra earned high praise from the coach but will need to build back through full training before being considered for competitive minutes, particularly with Alonso reluctant to take an early risk.
Feeling much better in injury recovery
Palestra (undisclosed) feels much better in his recovery from injury, the player said to the media, according to Niccolo Righi of Tuttomercatoweb. "Since the first day, Mister Xabi Alonso and my teammates made me feel great, a lot has changed but I like everything here. I'm doing well, it's still a few days away, but I feel much better."
Analysis: Palestra had already missed the Premier League opener against Fulham and the Carabao Cup win over Luton after a setback in training, extending his absence into the match against Brighton with Pedro Neto starting on the right in his place. His encouraging comments on his recovery suggest a return could be approaching, though his exact timeline remains to be confirmed.
Ruled out against Brighton
Palestra (undisclosed) remains unavailable for Sunday's clash against Brighton.
Analysis: Palestra will miss another match after also sitting out the Premier League opener against Fulham and Thursday's Carabao Cup win over Luton. The winger had required further assessment after suffering a setback in training and has not recovered in time to return Sunday. His continued absence limits Chelsea's options on the right flank, with Pedro Neto set to start on the right against Brighton.
Out Thursday, uncertain Sunday
Palestra will remain unavailable for Thursday's Carabao Cup clash against Luton and is uncertain for Sunday's match against Brighton as he requires further assessment, according to coach Xabi Alonso, per Peter Rutzler.
Analysis: Palestra will miss a second consecutive match after the fitness setback suffered in training also ruled him out against Fulham. Unlike Moises Caicedo, who could return Sunday, Palestra still requires further assessment before Chelsea can determine when he will be ready to return. His status for the Brighton clash therefore remains uncertain, with Malo Gusto expected to continue at right wing-back if Palestra is unable to recover in time.
Absent Monday
Palestra is out for Monday's match against Fulham due to fitness issues he suffered in training, according to manager Xabi Alonso. "They had minor setbacks during the week, so they were not fit to play tonight."
Analysis: Palestra was looking to be set for a possible starting role Monday, but has instead missed the team sheet, as the defender appears to be struggling with fitness. This is a rough blow for the player following his transfer, as he could miss more time with his status not completely clear. In the meantime, Josh Acheampong, Levio Colwill and Maxence Lacroix start at center-back for Xabi Alonso.
Joins Chelsea through 2033
Palestra signed with Chelsea from Atalanta on a contract through 2033, the club announced.
Analysis: Palestra arrives at Stamford Bridge having been named Serie A Defender of the Year last season following an impressive campaign on loan at Cagliari, where he made 37 league appearances and stood out for his versatility across both flanks as a full-back and wing-back. The 21-year-old Italian international earned his senior debut for the Azzurri earlier this year before adding a second cap shortly after, underlining his rapid rise to the highest level of the game. He joins Chelsea ahead of pre-season under manager Xabi Alonso, giving the squad an exciting and versatile defensive option heading into the new Premier League campaign.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare