Alonso: Martinez fitness decision due before Sunderland

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will decide on Emiliano Martinez's availability for the Sunderland match after a final training session on Saturday. The goalkeeper has been sidelined since the Everton win, after jaw surgery.

Martinez has returned to training this week wearing protective headgear. ‘Tomorrow we have our last training session before Sunday and we will decide [if he is fit],’ Alonso said at his pre-match press conference. ‘But he is training well.’

In Martinez's absence, Mike Penders has started the last three matches. Alonso acknowledged the choice between the posts at the Stadium of Light could be difficult. ‘All the decisions are tough, in all the positions,’ he said.

Moises Caicedo's fitness will also be assessed after Saturday's session. He missed training earlier in the week at Cobham. Alonso described his problem as ‘a discomfort, more than his calf’.

Jorrel Hato, Maxence Lacroix and Joao Pedro will definitely miss the weekend trip. Alonso said the trio will be reassessed over the international break, and said Hato ‘isn't fit yet’.

Chelsea, fourth with 16 points from nine games, come off a win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. Sunderland, who have won one of their nine top-flight matches this season, are 20th.