Chelsea injury update: Colwill concern as Caicedo and Palestra near returns

Chelsea have emerged from their dramatic 6-3 Carabao Cup victory over Leeds United with another fitness concern after Levi Colwill was forced off at Stamford Bridge.

Xabi Alonso had already been managing several absentees and was unable to welcome any of his major injured players back for Wednesday's cup tie.

There is nevertheless encouraging news surrounding Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra, while summer arrival Jordan Henderson is also progressing towards his Chelsea debut.

Colwill had already missed the defeat to Arsenal as a precaution after experiencing a problem in training.

The 23-year-old returned against Leeds but was replaced by Wesley Fofana before heading directly down the tunnel, inevitably raising concerns given his previous ACL injury.

Alonso, however, played down the situation.

"It is just from little things that he's having, but we don't expect that it's an injury," the Chelsea boss said.

That leaves Colwill potentially available when Chelsea host Hull City on September 12, although his condition will need monitoring.

Caicedo's difficult start to the campaign has been disrupted by a calf problem.

After missing Chelsea's opening two matches, the Ecuadorian returned against former club Brighton but lasted only 14 minutes. He subsequently missed the Arsenal and Leeds games.

Alonso has now admitted he may have brought the midfielder back too quickly.

"Probably it was my mistake to push him too early," he said. "That's why I'm cautious now not to make the same mistake."

Chelsea will hope Caicedo can return against Hull, but Alonso's comments suggest they will not take unnecessary risks.

Marco Palestra is also targeting the Hull fixture after a training injury delayed his competitive Chelsea debut.

The summer signing from Atalanta featured regularly during pre-season and recently confirmed he was feeling "much better", with his return only a matter of days away.

That could finally give Alonso another option on the right side.

Jordan Henderson remains the longest-term absentee of the group after breaking his wrist while celebrating England's World Cup quarter-final victory over Mexico.

The 36-year-old has returned to first-team training but is yet to make his Chelsea debut.

Alonso confirmed Henderson is now in the "last stage of his recovery", with the trip to former club Brentford on September 18 currently a potential return target.

Chelsea will assess Colwill, Caicedo and Palestra ahead of the Hull game, with all three currently potential options for Alonso.

Caicedo's situation may require particular caution after his unsuccessful return against Brighton, while Henderson appears more likely to be targeting the subsequent Brentford fixture.