Chelsea are preparing for a trip to Sunderland with a number of key injury issues persisting after their 2-0 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
Morgan Rogers scored a brilliant solo goal to break the deadlock early in the second half, with Cole Palmer marking his return from a one-match suspension by dispatching a penalty after Lisandro Martinez was sent off for a foul on Wesley Fofana. Estevao saw two goals disallowed for offside after being handed a rare start by Xabi Alonso, whose team bounced back after a Carabao Cup last-16 exit on penalties at Liverpool.
Joao Pedro and Jordan Henderson sidelined
Joao Pedro was a surprise absentee from the Chelsea squad for their home loss to Tottenham, with Alonso confirming that he had picked up a thigh injury in training on the eve of the game. No definitive timeframe has yet been set for the return of the star striker, top scorer and reigning Player of the Season, who also saw a specialist last month to speed up his recovery from a knee problem.
“He has an injury on his thigh and he's going be out for a few weeks,” Alonso said on Joao Pedro before the defeat by Liverpool. “Let's see how many. We don't want to predict on that. But not ready for the next games.”
“He's a key player. We will miss him, but we have to be ready to deal with the injury, and be competitive and try and win with the players we have available. This is the situation.”
Jordan Henderson was unexpectedly absent from the Chelsea squad to face Manchester United, despite having played 90 minutes against former club Liverpool in midweek. The manager allayed concerns over an injury, saying he was ill and suffering with a fever on Saturday.
“He's ill,” Alonso said of Henderson to TNT Sports. “There's no injury, but he was not feeling well yesterday and today had a fever in the morning, so he was not feeling good enough to come with the team.”
Emi Martinez close to return
Emi Martinez needed lengthy treatment on the pitch and was stretchered off following an accidental clash of heads with England defender Jarrad Branthwaite during Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Everton last month. The Argentine goalkeeper underwent successful surgery to repair what was confirmed to be a broken jaw.
Martinez’s progress since then has been swift and he is pushing to return ahead of schedule, with Alonso admitting that there’s a chance he could be back before the international break, likely wearing a face mask. No2 Mike Penders has deputised for Chelsea in Martinez’s absence, scoring an unfortunate own goal on his first Premier League start against Tottenham but making an incredible stoppage-time save to deny Bryan Mbeumo in the win over Manchester United.
“Yes, there is a chance,” Alonso said of Martinez possibly playing before the next international window. “We need to still wait for next week, but let’s see how things go. But there is a chance.”
Other absentees and return dates
Chelsea’s captain Reece James suffered a knee injury in training at Cobham on his return from another hamstring issue. After consulting with a specialist, he underwent successful surgery last month that was described as “minor”. Standard Sport understands that it is likely to be around three months before James is back in action.
Maxence Lacroix limped off late in the first half at Liverpool with a hamstring injury. Alonso said that Chelsea would need to assess the problem before estimating a recovery time, later admitting that he would be out until after the November international break. Reports have since suggested that Chelsea fear Lacroix, like James, may not play again until the New Year.
Jorrel Hato was a surprise absentee from the squad that travelled to Liverpool and was not available against United either after Alonso revealed that the Dutchman was battling a back injury. Jamie Gittens has yet to make a single Premier League appearance for Chelsea so far this season, with his only two outings coming against Luton and Leeds in the Carabao Cup. He suffered an ankle problem while on international duty with England’s Under-21s last month and needed crutches, with Alonso’s last update confirming that Gittens was still facing “weeks” on the sidelines.
Aaron Anselmino has become something of a forgotten man among Chelsea fans after a bit-part role during pre-season that followed an injury-ruined loan spell at BlueCo sister club Strasbourg during the second half of last term. “He is not available yet,” Alonso said of Anselmino last week. “He has had a few things, a few injuries, and it will take a few weeks until he is fully fit.”
