Team News: Chelsea dealt major injury blow as Xabi Alonso makes late Tottenham selection call

Team News: Chelsea dealt major injury blow as Xabi Alonso makes late Tottenham selection callChelsea have suffered a late injury setback ahead of their highly anticipated Premier League London derby against Tottenham, with João Pedro ruled out of the game.The Brazilian striker misses out after reportedly picking up a late knock, forcing Alonso to make adjustments to his attacking setup ahead of the clash.With João Pedro unavailable, Chelsea will rely on the attacking qualities of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Pedro Neto and Geovany Quenda as they look to secure an important victory over their London rivals.Mike Penders starts in goal, while Jordan Henderson and Moisés Caicedo feature in midfield.Confirmed Chelsea starting XI against TottenhamAlonso has selected a versatile lineup for the derby, with several attacking players capable of interchanging positions throughout the match.Penders retains his place between the posts, with Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill.Henderson and Caicedo provide experience and stability in midfield, while Neto and Hato will be playing wing-backs.Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers will be playing as the two behind Quenda who comes in to replace the injured Pedro.Chelsea starting XI: Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill, Hato; Henderson, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Rogers, Quenda.Chelsea looking to secure London derby victory against TottenhamChelsea face a Tottenham side still searching for consistency under De Zerbi.Spurs endured a difficult start to the Premier League campaign but secured their first victory of the season last weekend.That result will have provided a welcome confidence boost ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge.For Alonso, the derby presents an opportunity to secure an important result and build momentum as Chelsea look to strengthen their position in the Premier League.With Palmer, Rogers, Neto and Quenda all starting, the Blues possess enough attacking quality to cause problems for Tottenham.