Xabi Alonso press conference after Chelsea 2-0 Manchester United
Chelsea will make a late decision over Emi Martinez ahead of the Premier League showdown against Sunderland.
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. Martinez’s recovery has been ahead of schedule and he could feature.
Moises Caicedo was not spotted during the 15 minutes of Wednesday’s training session that was open to the media, and Alonso has said it is due to discomfort he felt after the United match. The final training session before the trip to Sunderland, on Saturday, will also be used as a guideline for Caicedo’s availability.
Previously injured Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino has also been involved in training, after being selected to play for his country over the upcoming international window.
Romeo Lavia started in Jordan Henderson’s place against United and excelled so could keep his spot in midfield, with the latter having missed out through illness.
Joao Pedro and Maxence Lacroix are both still 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.
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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, Hato
Doubts: Caicedo, Martinez
Venue: Stadium of Light
How to watch: Sky Sports