Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Chelsea star given permission to return to Spain this week: Here's why
MARCOS ALONSO was allowed to fly back to Spain this week following his heroics for Chelsea at the weekend.
Marcos Alonso - 5 things you need to know
The left wing-back scored twice for the Blues on Saturday in their 3-0 win at champions Leicester.
Since becoming a regular in Antonio Conte’s starting XI, the £23million summer signing has played an important role in Chelsea’s success.
And the manager rewarded Alonso by giving the Spaniard permission to spend some time off in Madrid.
Marcos Alonso was rewarded for his two goals on Saturday by being allowed to see friends in Madrid
It’s hard to be fresh... but I have to keep the fitness up
The 26-year-old was pictured out for dinner with friends in his homeland on Tuesday night.
On Alonso’s personal Instagram account, he posted: “Good to catch up with the old homies.”
With the high demands of playing consistently at wing-back, Conte is keen to keep his players fresh.
Prior to the Leicester game, Alonso said: “It’s hard to be fresh but I think we are helping the team a lot — but I have to keep the fitness up.
Marcos Alonso trained with Chelsea on Tuesday before returning to Spain that day
“We train very well with the manager. He makes us very good physically. It’s the hardest I have trained with any manager, I think. Italians work hard physically and tactically.”
Allowing the defender to return to Spain could help reenergise him with Chelsea determined to not let their hold on the Premier League’s top spot slip.
Alonso is expected to start for the Blues once again on Sunday when Hull visit Stamford Bridge (4.30pm).
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?