Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers already know that Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana will miss the first two Gameweeks through suspension, after his red card late last season.

Speaking at Thursday’s press conference, Xabi Alonso gave updates on other situations.

• READ MORE: Press conferences for FPL Gameweek 1

Danny Welbeck wasn’t part of the squad that faced Real Sociedad because of a “small issue”, but should be fit. However, he is already training individually.

“He can be involved, he just needed a couple of days not training that much because of a little thing. But we are expecting him to be back on Saturday. We need to go day by day but that’s the plan at the moment.” – Xabi Alonso on Danny Welbeck

Away from injuries, Alonso was asked whether the late returnees to pre-season training, such as Morgan Rogers, need longer “to get up to speed”.

“Let’s see. We will check, we will assess, but for sure because of the World Cup, they came a little bit later and they would need maybe a little bit more time, but they are for sure selectable for the line-up.” – Xabi Alonso on the match-readiness of the players late back from the World Cup

Levi Colwill, who had his fitness issues last season, has benefitted from a summer off, says Alonso.

“I would say that having a proper pre-season has helped him in taking the right steps in the right moment. Not trying to rush it too quickly because of what he had last year. Even last year, he finished playing in a good way.

“And now after the pre-season we are expecting that he feels well and that he’s with confidence and with the fitness to have him in the best level. Because if he’s feeling okay, he’s for me one of the best centre-backs in the world because of his composure, because of his presence. So complete, so dominant and Levi is going to be a key player for us.” – Xabi Alonso on Levi Colwill

Inevitably, there was a question about Enzo Fernandez‘s future, too.

“Enzo is a Chelsea player. He’s a top, top player. He’s training really, really well since he started 10 days ago with the team, very integrated. We are happy with him and he’s getting ready for Monday.” – Xabi Alonso

We’re not aware of penalty duties being up for grabs, but the new boss was vague about 2026/27 duties.

“I don’t know which ones were [the takers] last season, but yes, we have our own decisions.

“No, sorry, [I don’t want to say who they are]. Hopefully, we have a penalty and you can see that on Monday!” – Xabi Alonso