After tasting defeat for the first time this season, with Alonso's side beaten by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, the Blues have an immediate chance to get back to winning ways tomorrow evening against an old foe.

No matter the context, games between Chelsea and Leeds always matter. And with a place in the fourth round at stake, hostilities will certainly be renewed at Stamford Bridge.

On Colwill, an unused substitute against Arsenal due to a fitness issue, Alonso confirmed in his pre-match press conference that he can again call upon a defender with an understanding of the rivalry and experience in the fixture.

However, there will be no Moises Caicedo or Marco Palestra, with Alonso stating neither player is ready to make their respective returns to action.

‘No, not yet,' the Blues manager replied when asked if the duo were available against Leeds. 'They are still not ready to go, and it's not the moment to take an early risk. So we go game by game with them, but it’s too early.’

Alonso, who also confirmed that summer arrivals Emmanuel Emegha and Jordan Henderson remain sidelined, admits it's been frustrating not to have been able to call upon Palestra in our opening fixtures of the campaign, especially given how the Italian international performed in pre-season

'It's especially [frustrating] for him,' the Blues boss said. 'He came with huge energy, huge desire to enjoy his game in the Premier League. He had a very good pre-season and a few days before the first game against Fulham, he picked up an injury.

'It’s part of the life of a football player to come back from injury and we will need him for sure. He has great potential and will add a lot of good qualities we need in the team.'