Emi Martinez is handed a Chelsea debut against Brighton this afternoon. The goalkeeper's move was announced only a few hours before the Premier League fixture at home to Brighton on Sunday, but Xabi Alonso does have his latest summer signing available for selection.
Martinez was registered by Friday's 12pm BST deadline, so he gets the nod over Robert Sanchez, who has now lost his place as Chelsea's first-choice option. Mike Penders made his Blues debut against Luton in midweek and is named on the bench.
Caicedo back in squad
Moises Caicedo is back in the squad after suffering an injury last week in training which saw him miss wins over Fulham and Luton Town in the Premier League and Carabao Cup respectively. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has said: “He is hopefully training [on Friday]. We are hopeful he can be involved. We are still checking; no decision made.”
Levi Colwill and Geovany Quenda both missed out on the matchday squad for the 2-0 win over Luton on Thursday but there are, according to Alonso, “no issues”.
Alonso on Colwill and Quenda
“Our plan is that they are training [Friday] preparing for Sunday. With Levi, we know three games in a week after the injury, missing a period, he needs to take the right steps. We don’t want to push him too much. So he feels comfortable.”
Enzo Fernandez is not involved at all as speculation regarding his future continues to rumble on, but Cole Palmer is fit to start alongside Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro as Chelsea’s front three continues to bed in.
Team news and absentees
In midfield, Alonso has rested captain Reece James and appears to have named a pairing of Romeo Lavia and Malo Gusto. Jordan Henderson and Marco Palestra remain injured.
Wesley Fofana is back from suspension and starts competitively for the first time this season. He missed the last two games following his red card at Sunderland on the final day of last season.
Confirmed team news – Chelsea XI: Martinez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Lavia, Gusto, Hato; Palmer, Joao Pedro, Rogers. Substitutes: Penders, James, Acheampong, Chavarria, Caicedo, Barco, Gittens, Estevao Willian, Welbeck. Injured: Palestra, Henderson.
Time and date: 2pm BST on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Venue: Stamford Bridge. How to watch: Sky Sports.
