Alonso confirms Gusto’s return, provides Martinez injury update ahead of Spurs clash
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineChelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Malo Gusto is available for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge, but goalkeeper Emi Martinez will miss the London derby through injury.
Pep Chavarria and Emmanuel Emegha will also be unavailable as they continue their respective recoveries.
Chelsea head into the encounter on the back of consecutive league victories, having thrashed Bournemouth 5-1 before beating Everton 2-0.
Tottenham, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, recorded their first Premier League victory of the campaign in their previous match but are yet to win away from home this season.
Speaking after Chelsea’s training session at Cobham on Friday, Alonso confirmed that Gusto was ready to return after missing the victory over Everton.
“Malo is fine,” the Chelsea manager said.
Providing an update on Chavarria, Alonso added: “Pep is training a little bit more, but he is not going to make it [for the Tottenham game].”
Emegha will also remain sidelined as he continues his recovery. The striker, who joined Chelsea during the summer, is yet to make an appearance for the club.
“He’s feeling better, but we need to wait,” Alonso said.
Meanwhile, Martinez is expected to be out for several weeks after suffering a jaw injury during Chelsea’s win over Everton.
The Argentine goalkeeper was stretchered off in the second half following a collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
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He was taken to hospital for further assessment before undergoing surgery.
Alonso said Martinez was recovering well but would need more time before returning to action.
“Emi is doing better,” he said.
“He had the surgery and day by day he is feeling better, but we still need to wait. A few weeks. Hopefully, less than that, but we need to wait.”
The Chelsea manager said the club would continue to monitor the goalkeeper’s recovery in consultation with medical professionals.
“The good thing is that he is feeling better and we need to listen to his feelings, the opinions of the doctors, the specialists, the surgeons. Considering it was a bad one, he is doing well,” Alonso said.
Chelsea will now focus on Tottenham as they seek to extend their winning run and maintain their momentum in the Premier League.
Gusto’s availability provides a boost for Alonso, although Martinez’s absence and the fitness concerns surrounding Chavarria and Emegha leave the manager with further decisions to make ahead of the derby.
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