Welbeck arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer from Brighton and Hove Albion to reinforce our frontline and add expertise from his many years playing in the Premier League.

It is apparent from the words of his Chelsea team-mates that the 35-year-old has integrated seamlessly into the group off the pitch.

On it, Welbeck has shown encouraging signs in his early appearances, which have included goals in both of our Carabao Cup fixtures so far.

There is the possibility of Welbeck making his full Premier League debut for the Blues this evening at the Gtech Stadium. That is a decision for Alonso to make, but the Spaniard has been pleased with the striker's smooth adjustment to life at the Bridge

‘He has adapted very well,’ said Alonso. ‘There was no doubt about that. He has connected very well with the team. He knows what he has to do.

‘He has started a couple of games in the Carabao Cup, and the other day he was close to scoring one goal, so yeah, we are happy with Danny.’

With a demanding fixture list across multiple competitions, Alonso reiterated that every Chelsea player, including Welbeck, must remain prepared to step up when called upon.

‘It's about having a complete squad and about knowing that everyone is ready to play whenever they’re needed,’ he added. ‘You have to be ready. This is professional football, and you need to know when you are in, you need to perform.’

Our third consecutive London away game this season takes us to Henderson's previous home. The midfielder is yet to make his Blues bow following the arm injury he suffered at this summer’s World Cup, but Alonso has not ruled out the possibility of the 36-year-old featuring against his former club tonight.

And our manager provided background on the reasons behind Henderson's signing in the summer: chiefly his ability to elevate standards on and off the ball.

‘We analysed it and we wanted to have a good balance between maturity, between experience, between talent, between energy. We have taken a step forward, and we have improved, I think, in that part.

‘Jordan has played an important role being a midfielder, with the impact that he can have with other players, but he has this quality and this personality to improve and to help other players as well.

‘We wanted to have a good balance and people who could add value for what they do and what could improve the other ones, and Jordan does it very well.’