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According to a report by Football London on November 6, 2026, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has delivered a worrying injury update on defender Jorrel Hato, confirming that the young defender is still not fit to return to action and will need several more weeks before making his comeback.
Hato has been dealing with an injury that has kept him out of contention, with Chelsea continuing to monitor his recovery as they look to get the defender back to full fitness.
The 20-year-old arrived at Chelsea with expectations of becoming an important part of the club’s defensive options. However, his progress has been interrupted by the fitness setback, leaving Alonso without another option in his defensive department.
Speaking about Hato’s current condition, Alonso made it clear that the defender is not yet ready to return, suggesting that supporters will have to wait longer before seeing him back on the pitch.
“He is not fit yet. It will take some more weeks,” Alonso said.
The Chelsea manager’s comments suggest that the club are unwilling to rush the defender’s recovery, particularly with several important fixtures approaching.
Hato’s versatility is one of the qualities that makes him a valuable option. He can operate as a centre-back and left-back, giving Alonso additional flexibility when selecting his starting XI.
His ability to play in different defensive positions could prove particularly important for Chelsea as they compete across their remaining fixtures.
However, with Alonso confirming that Hato still needs several weeks to recover, the manager will have to continue making alternative arrangements in defence.