Chelsea host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, with Xabi Alonso giving his latest injury update.
Xabi Alonso has given the latest update on his Chelsea squad ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash. The Blues host London rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
“Chelsea” entered the match with a 2:0 victory over “Everton” in their last game. But that game brought a major injury blow, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez stretchered off after a head-butt with Jarred Branthwaite.
He was taken to the hospital for examination and underwent surgery for a broken jaw. He is now starting to recover but is expected to be out for a few more weeks.
Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League table, three points behind third-placed Brighton and one point ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool. They will be looking to extend their brilliant home record against Spurs.
Here’s a look at the latest news from the Chelsea treatment room ahead of the game.
Emiliano Martinez
injury: Chin
The goalkeeper underwent an operation on his jaw, which occurred last week in the match against “Everton” in the Premier League.
What Alonso said: “He’s in good condition. He’s been operated on. He’s feeling better day by day, but we still have to wait.
“A few weeks, a few weeks. Hopefully, more, but we have to wait. The good thing is that he feels better. He wants to listen to his feelings, the opinions of doctors, specialists, surgeons. Considering how bad he is, it’s good.”
Possible return date: Unknown
He wants Malo
Reason for absence: Illness
The defender missed the match against Everton due to illness, but is set to return to the squad.
What Alonso said: “Malo is fine.”
Possible return date: v Tottenham (H) – Saturday, October 24
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Pep Chavarria
injury: Unknown
The defender picked up a minor injury before last week’s Premier League clash with Everton.
What Alonso said: “Pep is still training a bit more, but he won’t make it.”
Possible return date: Vs Liverpool (A) – Wednesday 28 October
Emmanuel Emega
injury: Hamstring
The Dutchman is still waiting to make his competitive debut for the club.
What Alonso said: “He’s feeling better, but we have to wait.”
Possible return date: v Tottenham (H) – Saturday, October 24
Reece James
injury: Knee
The captain of the club underwent an operation on a knee injury and is expected to be out of action for about 3 months.
What Alonso said: “We are all disappointed… He wanted to start well after the break, but he got injured in the last training session. We wanted to be careful and wait for him to start the game. [test] result. Now that the operation has gone well… we wish him a speedy recovery and although we haven’t set a time, he’ll be out for a few weeks” (October 16).
Possible return date: January
Jamie Gittens
injury: Ankle
The winger suffered the injury while playing for England U21s during the international break.
What Alonso said: “Not yet, still a few weeks away.” (October 16)
Possible return date: Unknown