Chelsea fans have been left gutted by Pep Chavarria’s absence from the matchday squad for their Premier League clash against Everton.

Xabi Alonso made just one change to the team that started their previous outing – a 5-1 win over Bournemouth.

In a surprise selection decision, Chavarria, who played the full 90 minutes against the Cherries, is a notable absentee for the clash with the Toffees. His absence adds to Chelsea’s concerns following the injury setback suffered by captain Reece James.

In Chavarria’s absence, Jorrel Hato comes in for the Spanish defender. Malo Gusto is also missing from the matchday squad, adding to the frustration of Chelsea supporters.

One wrote:

“What happened to Pep Chavarria?? Can’t see him on lineup or injury players list.”

Another tweeted:

“No Chavarria in the squad. Why do bad things keep happening to us?”

A third queried:

“Where’s Chavarria?”

Another remarked:

“No Gusto! No Pep Chavarria. We have to watch Hato again in the left back position. Just hope he plays better for us against Everton.”

“Hato??? What happened to Chavarria. Hope he’s not injured.”

Starting XI: Martinez, Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill, Hato, Caicedo (c), Henderson, Neto, Palmer, Rogers, Joao Pedro

Substitutes: Penders, Fofana, Palestra, Barco, Lavia, Nicoll-Jazuli, Estevao, Quenda, Welbeck

Chelsea boss Alonso expects tough contest against Everton

Alonso admitted that Everton would pose a stern test for his Chelsea side when the two teams meet at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton are one of three unbeaten sides in the league this season and will look to maintain their record in front of their fans.

Asked at his press conference whether his team could replicate their goalscoring performance against Bournemouth, Alonso said:

“I hope so, our goal is to keep doing that, and for sure, we haven’t talked a lot about not conceding that many. If we improve or we continue the level of scoring and we decrease the numbers of conceding, we’ll be in a better way, but we need to go game by game, and tomorrow is going to be tough in Everton.

“We are looking forward to this game, intensity, high-demand game, high-tempo. I haven’t been in the stadium, but they’ve told me it’s a nice one with good atmosphere, so we are looking forward.”

Ahead of the clash, Chelsea sit sixth in the Premier League table, one place below Everton. Both teams have 10 points, but the Toffees occupy the higher position thanks to their superior goal difference.