Why Pep Chavarria dropped out of Chelsea team at Everton after making trip

The Spaniard was a shock absentee from Xabi Alonso’s squad named for Saturday’s lunchtime showdown at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, despite having made the trip and been pictured both arriving at the ground and surveying the pitch.

Chavarria was replaced at left wing-back by Jorrel Hato, having started each of Chelsea’s last two top-flight games against Brentford and Bournemouth.

The 28-year-old has made four competitive starts and eight total appearances across all competitions for the Blues since completing a protracted £16million transfer from LaLiga outfit Rayo Vallecano in August.

In attendance: Pep Chavarria is with the Chelsea squad that travelled to Everton

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His total absence from the teamsheet despite being present at the stadium drew a puzzled reaction from Chelsea fans on social media, but Standard Sport understands that a small niggle picked up by Chavarria led to him having to drop out of the team, when he had been due to start.

Alonso confirmed ahead of the game to TNT Sports: “[Pep had] a little problem yesterday. We are not certain of the situation yet because it was late. Jorrel is fit and has played there, so it's just that change.”

Hato for Chavarria was the only change to his XI made by Alonso for the trip to Everton, having otherwise kept faith with the same team that demolished Bournemouth 5-1 at Stamford Bridge last weekend as the Premier League resumed following an extended three-week international break.

Alonso stuck with Josh Acheampong over Wesley Fofana in a back three also containing Colwill and Maxence Lacroix, with Marco Palestra made to wait for his first competitive Chelsea start as Pedro Neto got the nod again at right wing-back.

Chelsea’s prolific attack comprised of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro was unchanged, though there was one alteration on the bench.

Versatile full-back Malo Gusto dropped out of the matchday squad altogether, leading to a promotion for the second successive top-flight away game for 16-year-old midfield sensation Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli.