Football
Alonso provides Martinez update ahead of Sunderland game
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has given an update about the fitness of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as the Blues prepare to face Sunderland on Sunday.
The Blues are currently preparing to make the trip to the Stadium of Light sitting in fourth place in the Premier League table.
Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory over Manchester United last weekend, but Alonso has several selection dilemmas, including one involving Martinez.
Martinez suffered a fractured jaw against Everton in the middle of October, but he’s in contention to make a return against Sunderland.
Alonso said at a press conference on Friday that Martinez was in contention to start in the North-East.
Emiliano Martinez clashes with Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton, an injury that has seen him sidelined since then. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
When quizzed on the 34-year-old’s condition, Alonso told reporters: “Tomorrow we have our last training session before Sunday and we will decide but he is training well.”
He added: “All of the decisions are tough. But it is good that Emi has made a great effort to be back and ahead of the plans to be part of the team.
”Tomorrow we will check and Sunday we will take the final decision.”
Alonso also hinted that Moises Caicedo was a major doubt with an issue picked up versus Man United.
The Spaniard said: “He had a little problem after the last game so we expect to check on him tomorrow. It is a discomfort more than the calf.”
Mike Penders has been impressive in the absence of Martinez and it’s still unclear if he’ll be allowed to start if Martinez is passed fit.