Monday Fulham Stuff - 24/08/26...

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Alvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso share unique nickname ahead of west London showdown
Alvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso call each other 'Truffles', but there'll be no time for such affection on Monday night.

The great friends are about to meet as Premier League managers, both making their touchline debut in the competition when Arbeloa's Fulham host Alonso's Chelsea a season-opening west London derby, live on talkSPORT.

Arbeloa and Alonso go way back
Teammates at Liverpool and Real Madrid, as well as for the Spain national team – with whom they won the World Cup and two Euros during La Roja's late 2000s and early 2010s dominance – Arbeloa and Alonso have remained close into their coaching days.

Arbeloa succeeded Alonso as Real Madrid boss just last year, and now he's followed him back to the Premier League.

Both bosses will be hoping to make a winning start in their new job as the 2026/27 season gets underway for Fulham and Chelsea at Craven Cottage – and any niceties will have to be put to one side.

"Of course you can have a relationship," Alonso said at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, "but once you're on the pitch: no friends, no past.

"It's just the 90 minutes that we are playing, fighting for each club, and after it's another thing."

Why they call each other 'Truffles'
It was Alonso who came up with the 'Trufas' nickname (Spanish for 'Truffles'), originally a cheeky dig at Arbeloa's misplaced passes during their time together at Liverpool.

This came to light in Campo de Estrellas, a 2017 documentary series following Real Madrid players and their families.

Arbeloa said: "In a training session at Liverpool, we had to give 40-yard passes and every time Xabi landed it on my foot, very measured."

But right-back Arbeloa's radar wasn't as accurate as that of his metronomic midfield colleague, as Alonso explained: "Then Arbeloa gave a few passes and I was always sent searching for the balls in the trees – with the truffles – and the nickname just stuck."

The moniker surfaced again last year when Alonso was handed the Real Madrid job, with Arbeloa posting on X: "Congratulations, Truffles."

He won't be wanting his compatriot to fare well on Monday night, though, telling reporters ahead of the game: "[I spoke to Alonso] a few days ago. We didn't talk about football. Our families are coming to London and we are very good friends.

"On Monday night, we will be there on the touchline, so close for 90 minutes. We will give everything for our clubs. We will try to win the game. For 90 minutes, like [Alonso] said, we are not friends."

Into the unknown
Arbeloa and Alonso are stepping into uncharted territory.

They never came up against each other as players and have yet to do so as managers (though that's hardly surprising given Arbeloa only took up his first senior role at the start of this year).

And they arrive at their new clubs in different circumstances.

Alonso is tasked with reviving Chelsea's fortunes after they slumped to 10th last term, going through two permanent managers in the process, with Enzo Maresca leaving on New Year's Day and replacement Liam Rosenior being sacked in April.

Arbeloa, meanwhile, succeeds the successful Marco Silva, who re-established Fulham as a top-flight side and took them to at least the quarter-finals of a domestic cup in the last four campaigns.

The pair will shake hands before kick-off on Monday – maybe they'll even hug – but the moment that whistle goes on the banks of the Thames, they are but two people doing their job (two of nine doing it for the first time in the Premier League this weekend).



https://talksport.com/football/4527873/alvaro-arbeloa-xabi-alonso-truffles-nickname-fulham-chelsea/

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Why the SW6 Derby Could Determine Fulham's Season
A new season, a new era, another SW6 derby. Playing the filth is always a massive game but the first game of the season with a new manager under the Monday night floodlights? This might be the biggest inter-Fulham derby since our 2002 FA Cup semi final clash.

Having who many consider as your biggest rivals as your first game at your new club is a baptism of fire, it could go one of two ways.

The Cottage will certainly be up for this one, and the excitement and apprehension for a new dawn on the Thames could spill out into a high so high, or low so low, that it could fire Fulham to the next level or sink us to the second tier.

Get as much as a draw and the Cottage will be fully behind Arbeloa for the foreseeable future. It would give the entire club a huge confidence boost going into two winnable games, Sunderland away and Palace at home.

Lose handsomely, however, and many already unsure about Arbeloa's credentials to manage a Premier League side will start to pile pressure on our unproven new boss who will likely need time to implement his ideas on this Fulham team.

I don't remember an opening day with as much chance as this. Even pre game, this feels like a sliding doors moment, a chance to start something special or the start of a tale spin that sees us in a different division this time next year.

A baptism of fire no doubt, but it's an opportunity to show the League what we are about and a chance to start something special. For us supporters, it's about getting behind the lads.

Now more than ever, come on Fulham!



https://medium.com/@LondonsOriginal/why-the-sw6-derby-could-determine-fulhams-season-623ba8c96971

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Fulham vs Chelsea Injury News: Major Blow Leaves Both Sides Facing Early Problems
Fulham vs Chelsea injury news has given both managers plenty to consider before the Premier League opener at Craven Cottage. Álvaro Arbeloa starts his Fulham tenure with most of his squad available, but Tom Cairney and Joachim Andersen will miss the game. Xabi Alonso also faces selection problems in his first competitive match as Chelsea manager.

The Blues will be without Wesley Fofana because of suspension, while Aaron Anselmino remains out with a hamstring injury. Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha are also unavailable after recent fitness issues. Chelsea, however, have received a major boost with Cole Palmer fit and ready to play. Danny Welbeck has also recovered and is available for selection.

Fulham vs Chelsea Injury News Leaves Hosts With Defensive Problems
The latest Fulham vs Chelsea injury news shows that Fulham have fewer fitness concerns, but Arbeloa still needs to make important changes. Captain Tom Cairney will miss the match after undergoing a minor surgical procedure on his left knee earlier this month. His recovery is progressing, but the game comes too soon for his return.

Joachim Andersen is also unavailable, though his absence is not injury-related. The Danish defender remains suspended after receiving a red card during the final weeks of last season. His suspension carries into the new campaign and forces Arbeloa to change his central defensive pairing.

Fulham have most of their senior players available, giving Arbeloa a settled squad for his first competitive game. However, the manager must quickly find a solution at center-back against a Chelsea side with several attacking options.

Fulham vs Chelsea Injury News Gives The Blues A Mixed Update
Chelsea injury news is more complicated for Alonso. Jordan Henderson remains out after suffering a wrist injury during pre-season. He has returned to light running but has not been cleared for competitive contact.

Emmanuel Emegha is also unavailable as he continues his recovery from a hamstring strain suffered early in pre-season. Young defender Aaron Anselmino will miss the match after suffering a separate hamstring problem during Chelsea's overseas tour.

Wesley Fofana adds another problem for Alonso. The center-back is suspended after carrying over a ban from the final matchday of last season.

Despite those absences, Chelsea injury news includes an important boost. Cole Palmer has passed his late fitness tests after dealing with groin problems towards the end of last season. Alonso confirmed that Palmer is pain-free and available to start.

Danny Welbeck has also recovered from a minor pre-season issue. He trained fully with the first-team squad and is available for selection.

Fulham vs Chelsea Injury News Shapes Predicted Lineups
Chelsea can count on Palmer after his fitness clearance, while Welbeck gives Alonso another attacking option.

Fofana's suspension and injuries to Anselmino, Henderson and Emegha will limit Alonso's choices in several areas. Palmer's return, however, gives Chelsea a major attacking boost as the new manager prepares for his first league match.

For Fulham, the Fulham vs Chelsea Injury News means Arbeloa must replace both Cairney and Andersen. Andersen's absence is especially important because it changes the defensive setup.

The final Fulham vs Chelsea team news will confirm the starting lineups before kick-off, but both managers already know they must deal with key absences in their first Premier League game of the season.



https://heavy.com/sports/soccer/premier-league/chelsea-fc/fulham-vs-chelsea-injury-news-major-blow-leaves-both-sides-facing-early-problems/

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Matchday Preview: Chelsea
The Álvaro Arbeloa x Xabi Alonso subplot will no doubt make headlines as we approach our season opener, but Fulham fans need no further motivation to get excited for an SW6 derby to kick-off our fifth consecutive season of Premier League football.

Team news

🤍 Joachim Andersen serves the final game of his ban, while Tom Cairney is our sole injury absentee.

🔵 Jordan Henderson is in training but might not be match fit after injuring his wrist at the World Cup, but fellow new signing Danny Welbeck will be in contention. Wesley Fofana is suspended after getting sent off on the final day of last season.

Tickets

This match has now sold out – thank you for your terrific support!

Kits

Both sides will be in their home strips for this game.

Weather

A mild evening is forecast, with temperatures still as high as 20 degrees at kick-off.

Drinks offers

Early Bird offers are available pre-match (up until 7pm) including £5 pints and selected house wines, as well as £2 soft drinks.

Coverage

FFCtv subscribers can listen to commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, while the game will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Overseas supporters can see who is showing the game in your region at this page.

Kevin Keegan

There will be a period of applause ahead of kick-off to pay tribute to former Fulham Manager Kevin Keegan.

Persistent standing

We would like to thank you all for your incredible support and passion that you display frequently in encouraging the team at Craven Cottage and on our travels.

We are mindful that we would like to continue to create a wonderful atmosphere at Craven Cottage to support the team, however we do need to remind all supporters that persistent standing during matches is not permitted. This is to comply with match day safety regulation and to ensure the comfort of all supporters attending.

Due to persistent standing in the Hammersmith Stand last season, the Club was required to put in measures to prevent this from happening going forward which involved moving several Season Ticket holders to another location so that an area for stewards could be facilitated. The Hammersmith Stand is a licensed all-seating stand. 

We would appreciate your cooperation to avoid any further measures being imposed and we thank you.

The Club is in discussion with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) & Safety Advisory Group (SAG) regarding Safe Standing at Craven Cottage.

Fulham Flutter

The Fulham Flutter allows fans from across the UK to go into the running to win some unique Fulham prizes. Fans can purchase a season ticket to be automatically entered into every home draw or buy tickets on a match-by-match basis, with the winner of our top prize announced on the big screen at half-time of the match.

FUL STOP

At Craven Cottage, everyone is welcome. Together, we can create a safe and inclusive matchday experience for all supporters. Report any discriminatory or anti-social behaviour using the free phone number below.



Bag lanes

Following supporter feedback, we can confirm that a greater number of bag lanes will be in operation this season. These are located at Johnny Haynes 21, 22, 27 & 28, Hammersmith 32, 33, 34 & 35, and Putney 15, 16, 17 & 18. The Club's Bag Policy will remain in operation.

Programme

After 12 years at Real Madrid, Gonzalo García is embracing a completely fresh challenge at Craven Cottage. In Monday's official matchday programme, Fulham's new striker discusses the influence of Álvaro Arbeloa, leaving the club he called home, adapting to English football and what he wants his first season in SW6 to be remembered for.

"The Gaffer, obviously, was crucial in my move to Fulham," says Gonzalo. "He convinced me in a couple of minutes to belong in this ambitious project.

"It was really, really difficult to leave Real Madrid. It has been and will be my home forever, but now I'm just focused on this new stage at Fulham."

Elsewhere in the publication, Shahid Khan, Arbeloa and Tom Cairney pen their programme notes, while we also hear from Harrison Reed and Willian looks back on memorable stints with both Fulham and Chelsea.

The programme will be on sale around the ground on Monday, priced £4, or available to purchase online.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/august/24/matchday-preview-chelsea/

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