Chelsea progressed to the Carabao Cup third round with a controlled 2-0 victory over Luton, but Enzo Fernández’s absence dominated the wider story. With Manchester City expected to bid for the midfielder, Chelsea appear increasingly ready to move on as manager Xabi Alonso seeks a more committed, cohesive squad; they will host Leeds in the next round.

After a goalless first half despite Chelsea outshooting League One Luton 17-3, Danny Welbeck broke the resistance early in the second half by heading in Malo Gusto’s cross, his first goal since joining from Brighton. Estêvão Willian then forced a late own goal from Hakeem Odoffin after work involving debutant Valentín Barco and Cole Palmer, while 21-year-old goalkeeper Mike Penders made his Chelsea debut ahead of the anticipated £7.5m arrival of Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez.