Chelsea v Luton LIVE: Carabao Cup latest score and updates as Enzo Fernandez absence explained

Xabi Alonso said it was “decided” that Enzo Fernandez would not be in Chelsea’s squad to face Luton Town in the Carabao Cup, despite saying the previous day that he expected the midfielder to be involved.

Fernandez has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City this summer and Enzo Maresca’s side are expected to return with an offer for the Argentina international despite missing an informal deadline earlier this month.

“We assessed situations, individual and collective and we have decided he is not in the squad for today,” Alonso said before facing Luton, which is Chelsea’s first competitive home game of the new season.

Fernandez featured off the bench for Chelsea in their Premier League opener at Fulham on Monday and was booed by the home fans at Craven Cottage for his role in the Argentina’s World Cup semi-final win over England.

Fernandez received a comparatively warm reception from Chelsea supporters when he came on, having been previously booed during a friendly against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge before the start of the season.

While we await kick-off there are multiple reports that Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Emi Martinez from Aston Villa for a reported £7.5m. He will sign a two-year deal with an option to extend by an additional 12 months.

The absence of senior midfielders, including Fernandez, means a chance for Reggie Watson to appear on the bench.

According to the BBC, the academy graduate will be Chelsea’s fourth youngest player in history if he is sprung on at 16 years and 214 days.

And if you think he looks familiar that is because his dad is Ben, the former Wigan Athletic player.

The third round will be played across the weeks of September 7 and 14 and will be dependent on the fixtures of those in European action.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the new Chelsea head coach said he expects his team to improve gradually as the new campaign progresses.

“Most of the teams will get better and better in the weeks ahead and with more games,’ said Alonso. “We have some players that have just been back for two weeks, they are in good shape but they will get better.

“There are teams that have been working longer with their manager and so many ideas are already very established. With other projects, in different cases, it takes more time. So there will be a development of many concepts.

“As I said in another press conference, I think that we started our season Monday and the way we will be playing in January will be different. And I think it’s going to be better, and the next year will be even better.”

There are still two more ties to be completed this evening (Fulham v Wimbledon is the other one) but here is how the next round is shaping up

Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough

Manchester United v Brighton

Manchester City v Norwich City

Chelsea or Luton v Leeds United

Millwall v Newcastle United

Fleetwood v Sheffield United

Leyton Orient v Bradford City

West Ham v Fulham or Wimbledon

Maybe it’s a memento for young Luton fans – even if this was a Premier League fixture not so long ago.

No Enzo Fernandez in the matchday squad for the hosts but there is a first start for Danny Welbeck up front and Valentin Barco in midfield.

Here is how the visitors line up.

Keeley; Ashby, Odoffin, Johnston, Johnson; Benagr, Walsh; Palmer, Lawrence, Kodua; Marshall.

Subs: Shea, Naismith, Andersen, Richards, Wells, Fox, Jones, Chigozie, Cole.

And it’s a strong team named by Alonso.

Penders; Gusto, Acheampong, Lacroix, Chavarria; James, Barco; Estevao, Palmer, Rogers; Welbeck.

Subs: Sanchez, Anselmino, Hato, Watson, Lavia, Gittens, Neto, Emegha, Pedro.