Xabi Alonso confirms Chelsea duo not ready to face Leeds United

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha may have to wait longer for their club debuts.

The Blues suffered their first setback of the Premier League season against Arsenal last weekend. The Gunners came from behind to win 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

The west London giants will now shift attention to the Carabao Cup third-round tie against Leeds United. Ahead of the game, Alonso spoke to reporters on multiple topics.

One of those was centred on the availability of Henderson and Emegha. The pair have not made the matchday squads thus far, and Alonso said that tomorrow will come too early.

He said: "No, not yet. How far? Ask me on Friday."

Chelsea have had a good start to the campaign, but there is room for improvement in defence. The onus will be on beating Leeds tomorrow while keeping a clean sheet.

It won't be an easy challenge against an improved Leeds outfit.