Chelsea injury news: Martinez and Caicedo face late decisions

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Chelsea face late fitness decisions on Emi Martinez and Moises Caicedo before Sunday’s trip to Sunderland, with Xabi Alonso waiting for the final training session to assess his options.

Martinez has returned to training wearing a protective mask after jaw surgery, while Caicedo is managing discomfort following the 2-0 win over Manchester United. Jorrel Hato remains unavailable.

Alonso delivered the Chelsea injury news on Friday ahead of the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light. Kick-off is at 2pm on Sunday 8 November.

Emi Martinez injury: mask cleared, selection still undecided

Martinez’s return to training gives Alonso a decision in goal after Mike Penders started Chelsea’s last three matches.

The goalkeeper has been working in protective headgear following surgery on a fractured jaw. Alonso said doctors have cleared him to play in the mask, but that does not automatically confirm his availability or a place in Sunday’s starting XI.

“He is still getting used to his mask, for sure. It isn’t the most comfortable thing but he has trained for almost a whole week with it on. There is no obstruction to his view or anything like that, and we already have the green light from the doctors for him to play in it.”

In Chelsea’s official team-news update, Alonso said Martinez was ahead of schedule and praised the effort behind his recovery.

Chelsea will assess him again in Saturday’s final session before Alonso settles on his team for Sunderland.

Moises Caicedo injury concern adds to Chelsea’s decisions

Caicedo also needs checking after experiencing discomfort following the Manchester United game. Alonso stopped short of describing it as a confirmed calf injury or ruling the midfielder out.

“He had little problems after the last game, so we expect to check tomorrow on different situations and Moi is one of them. It’s a discomfort, more than his calf.”

His availability remains unresolved. For now, Caicedo belongs among the doubts rather than the confirmed absentees.

Hato remains out as Anselmino returns to training

Alonso confirmed Hato is not yet fit, while Maxence Lacroix and Joao Pedro remain unavailable.

Aaron Anselmino’s situation is different. In further comments from Friday’s press conference, Alonso said the defender had been training for more than a week. That is progress, although a return to training does not guarantee selection.

Player	Latest status
Emi Martinez	Training in a protective mask; late availability decision
Moises Caicedo	To be assessed after discomfort following the Manchester United game
Jorrel Hato	Not fit for Sunday
Maxence Lacroix	Unavailable
Joao Pedro	Unavailable
Aaron Anselmino	Back in training; selection not confirmed

Xabi Alonso backs Cole Palmer after England omission

Alonso praised Cole Palmer’s influence at Chelsea but declined to discuss his omission from the England squad.

The manager highlighted Palmer’s connection with the forwards, his attitude and his contribution to the team’s attacking play.

“We are very happy with him. He is enjoying his game, connecting very well with our attackers and helping develop the team. I’m very happy with his quality, his attitude and the impact he is having in the team.”

Asked about the England decision, Alonso said he and Palmer had not discussed it, with their attention on Sunday’s match.

Sunderland vs Chelsea: Alonso warns against complacency

Chelsea head north after beating Manchester United, but Alonso believes Sunderland’s league position understates the threat they pose.

“It doesn’t matter about their position in the table, they deserve more points than they have managed to get. They are a team that do many good things, so it won’t be easy for us.”

The immediate priority is establishing who can play. Martinez could offer another option in goal, while Caicedo’s assessment will help determine Alonso’s midfield choices.

Our Premier League weekend preview covers the wider fixture list, with further updates in our Premier League news section.

How to watch Sunderland vs Chelsea

Sunderland vs Chelsea kicks off at 2pm UK time on Sunday 8 November at the Stadium of Light. The match is live on Sky Sports, with streaming available to eligible subscribers through Sky Go, as confirmed in Chelsea’s viewing guide.

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