Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has explained why Josh Acheampong and Emi Martinez were not included in the squad for the match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Acheampong, an England youth international, has been trusted by Alonso during his time in charge, but he was absent from the matchday squad for the trip to face the Black Cats. Martinez, meanwhile, has now missed a fourth consecutive game after sustaining a jaw injury in the 2-0 win at Everton last month.
Acheampong recovering from minor issue
Asked before the Sunderland game why Acheampong was not involved, Alonso said: “He is recovering from a minor thing. He missed the fitness to be ready for today but we are expecting that he will be back after the international break. It’s a pity because he was in a good moment.”
Martinez underwent jaw surgery and his recovery progressed faster than expected, with the Argentine training with the squad during the week. However, he was not selected as Mike Penders retained his place as the starting goalkeeper.
Martinez deemed too risky for return
Alonso had said on Friday that the final training session before the match, held on Saturday, would help determine whether Martinez could make his return at the Stadium of Light.
“He has made a great effort to be available but probably it was too rash, too risky [to be selected],” Alonso said. “So he will use one more week, 10 days, to keep on training and get used to the mask. I’m sure after the break he will be available.”
