Xabi Alonso has revealed that Emi Martinez could be back on the pitch for Chelsea sooner than initially expected as he recovers from a fractured jaw. The Argentine sustained the injury in a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite during last weekend's defeat of Everton and underwent surgery on Merseyside.
Recovery timeline shortened
Martinez was originally expected to miss four to six weeks, but Alonso has now indicated he could return at the earlier end of that range. "He is doing better," said Alonso. "He had the surgery and day by day he is feeling better. We still need to wait. A few weeks. Hopefully less rather than more."
Alonso added that the medical team's opinion will be key: "We need to listen to the opinion of the doctors as well. Considering it was a bad one, he is doing good."
Derby team news
In a separate update, Alonso confirmed that Malo Gusto will be in contention for this weekend's derby clash with Tottenham, while Pep Chavarria will miss out with a minor injury.
