Chelsea have welcomed Emi Martinez back to training ahead of their Premier League clash with Sunderland, with one final session set to determine whether he plays this weekend.
The Blues travel to the Stadium of Light hoping to build on last Saturday's 2-0 win over 10-man Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. Young goalkeeper Mike Penders kept a clean sheet in that game as summer signing Martinez continued his recovery from surgery following the fractured jaw he suffered in last month's victory against Everton.
Martinez's Recovery Ahead of Schedule
Martinez, wearing a protective face mask, was involved in Chelsea training at Cobham this week and could play on Wearside, depending on whether Xabi Alonso is keen to immediately reinstate his No1. His recovery has been ahead of schedule and he could feature.
Moises Caicedo was not spotted during the 15 minutes of Wednesday's training session that was open to the media. Alonso has said it is due to discomfort he felt after the United match. The final training session before the trip to Sunderland, on Saturday, will also be used as a guideline for Caicedo's availability.
Other Team News
Previously injured Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino has also been involved in training, after being selected to play for his country over the upcoming international window.
Romeo Lavia started in Jordan Henderson's place against United and excelled, so could keep his spot in midfield, with the latter having missed out through illness. Estevao started against United and impressed, making him another player Alonso may find it difficult to bench.
Injury List and Predicted Lineup
Joao Pedro and Maxence Lacroix are both still sidelined, along with Jorrel Hato and captain Reece James, who is recovering from knee surgery and unlikely to be available again until January. Winger Jamie Gittens suffered an ankle injury on international duty with England's Under-21s last month and will be out for "a few weeks", Alonso said a fortnight ago.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs Sunderland (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Lavia, Chavarria; Estevao, Palmer; Rogers. Injured: Joao Pedro, James, Lacroix, Gittens, Hato. Doubts: Caicedo, Martinez.
The match kicks off at 2pm GMT on Sunday November 8, 2026, at the Stadium of Light, and will be broadcast on Sky Sports.
