The Italian, who arrived from Atalanta earlier this summer and impressed in our pre-season fixtures, has yet to make his competitive Chelsea debut because of an injury he sustained in the build-up to our Premier League opener at Fulham.

Alonso has confirmed what the 21-year-old's issue is, and provided an update on when the full-back could return to action.

‘The injury is something on the quad,’ said Alonso. ‘He's almost in the last stages of the recovery, so we will see. If not [fit for] Brentford, then Bournemouth for sure.’

Palestra was an integral part of our summer schedule, impressing Alonso during our time in Australia and Asia, and then catching the eye on his first appearance at Stamford Bridge as we defeated Real Sociedad.

That Palestra’s promising start was cut short before the real action got underway was obviously disappointing for all concerned, but Alonso has stressed the importance of the 21-year-old remaining patient.

‘He's quite frustrated after a very good pre-season not to be able to play and to make his debut in the Premier League,’ Alonso acknowledged.

‘But I told Marco, "Easy, the season is long, there will be a lot of games, and you will play your role, you will have your minutes, you will enjoy your game.”

‘He is full of energy, and you need to control that.’