Chelsea are set for a triple fitness boost after the international break, with Josh Acheampong, Emi Martinez and Joao Pedro all expected to be available for the home game against Leeds on Saturday November 21.
The Blues head into the break on the back of a 2-0 defeat at Sunderland, a result that dropped them to fifth in the Premier League table. Xabi Alonso's side had no response to Enzo Le Fee's penalty, awarded minutes after Cole Palmer saw a claim for a spot-kick turned down following a VAR review.
Acheampong and Martinez close to returns
Acheampong was a surprise absentee from the matchday squad at the Stadium of Light, having started all five previous matches. Alonso confirmed the defender was dealing with a minor issue and is not expected to be sidelined for an extended period.
"He is recovering from a minor thing," the Chelsea manager said. "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 has missed Chelsea's last four games across all competitions after undergoing surgery for a broken jaw sustained in a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite in the win over Everton. The Argentina international returned to training ahead of the Sunderland game and was in contention to start, but it was decided he would not be risked.
"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."
Pedro and other absentees
Joao Pedro missed the home loss to Tottenham after picking up a thigh injury in training on the eve of the game. No definitive timeframe has been set for the Brazilian's return, but Alonso has promised more news ahead of the Leeds game.
"No, not really updates," Alonso said before the trip to Sunderland. "For sure, we are not expecting them for [Sunday]. Let's see after the international break the recovery that they [have] made. Ahead of the Leeds game, I will have more [news] but not today."
Captain Reece James underwent successful surgery last month on a knee injury sustained in training at Cobham. Standard Sport understands he is likely to be out for around three months, with a potential return in mid-January.
Maxence Lacroix limped off in the Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool with a suspected hamstring injury. Alonso said before the win over Manchester United: "Max picked up an injury and we expect that he will not be ready before the international break. So he will be a few weeks out." Reports have since suggested Chelsea fear Lacroix may not play again until the New Year.
Jorrel Hato has missed games against Manchester United and Sunderland with a back injury. "No, no, no — he is not fit," Alonso said. "It will take him some more weeks to be fit." Jamie Gittens, who has yet to make a Premier League appearance this season, suffered an ankle problem on England Under-21s duty and is facing "weeks" on the sidelines, with a return possible in November or early December.
