Xabi Alonso press conference after Chelsea 2-0 Manchester United
Xabi Alonso press conference after Chelsea 2-0 Manchester United
The Blues head to the Stadium of Light hoping to build on last Saturday’s 2-0 win over 10-man Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
Young goalkeeper Mike Penders kept a clean sheet in that game as summer signing Martinez continued his recovery from surgery following the fractured jaw he suffered in last month’s victory against Everton.
But Martinez - wearing a protective face mask - was this week involved in Chelsea training at Cobham and could play on Wearside, depending on whether Xabi Alonso is keen to immediately reinstate his No1.
Alonso will provide the latest update on his Chelsea squad’s fitness and injury status when he holds his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.
Moises Caicedo was not spotted during the 15 minutes of Wednesday’s training session that was open to the media, but previously injured Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino was involved just a day after being selected to play for his country over the upcoming international window.
Alonso will be expected to provide clarity on the health of Jordan Henderson, who missed the win over United due to illness. Romeo Lavia started in his place and excelled so could keep his spot.
Joao Pedro and Maxence Lacroix are both sidelined, along with Jorrel Hato and captain Reece James, who is recovering from knee surgery and unlikely to be available again until January.
Winger Jamie Gittens suffered an ankle injury on international duty with England’s Under-21s last month. He will be out for “a few weeks”, Alonso said a fortnight ago.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs Sunderland (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Lavia, Chavarria; Estevao, Palmer; Rogers
Injured: Joao Pedro, James, Lacroix, Gittens
Doubts: Caicedo, Henderson, Martinez, Hato, Anselmino
Venue: Stadium of Light
How to watch: Sky Sports