Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has revealed that Pep Chavarria will miss Saturday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge. The Spanish tactician also confirmed that Malo Gusto is fit for the derby encounter, while striker Emmanuel Emegha will not feature.
Alonso revealed the latest injury news during his pre-match press conference on Friday at Cobham ahead of his side’s 5:30pm kick-off against De Zerbi’s men. Gusto was absent for last weekend’s 2-0 victory over Everton as he was unfit through illness, but the French full-back has been declared fit to take on the Lilywhites this weekend.
Chavarria, meanwhile, withdrew from the Everton trip at the last minute after sustaining a knock. Alonso revealed that the Spanish defender has been training a little more, although it has come too soon for the defender to partake in the derby. The 28-year-old’s injury is not expected to last long, and he could be back in action within a week. That would potentially see him on the bench for the Carabao Cup fourth-round visit to Liverpool on Wednesday.
Jorrel Hato will reportedly retain his place on the left after stepping into action at short notice against the Toffees. Marco Palestra, who normally plays at right-back, is also expected to be on the bench and can play on either flank.
Emegha is still waiting to make his competitive debut for the Blues after he suffered a minor setback in training prior to the Everton clash. However, Alonso confirmed that the Dutch forward is feeling better but urged patience ahead of his potential debut. Jamie Gittens (ankle) and Reece James (knee) are also ruled out for the visit of their London rivals.
Xabi Alonso Provides Emi Martinez Recovery Update
Alonso also spoke about the positive signs for Emiliano Martinez, who broke his jaw in the 2-0 win over Everton last weekend. The Argentine keeper was stretchered off the pitch after the injury and was taken straight to hospital for treatment.
The Blues boss revealed that Martinez has successfully undergone surgery and that he is feeling better with each passing day. However, Alonso warned that the 34-year-old may still be out for a few weeks, adding that he hopes it will be ‘less than more’.
In his absence, 21-year-old Mike Penders is set to make his first-ever Premier League start against Spurs following his Premier League debut as a substitute against Everton. The Belgian is likely to deputise for Martinez until the Argentine returns to fitness. Alonso has confirmed that his young charge is ready to face the daunting test ahead of him.