EPL: Gusto fit for Tottenham clash, Martinez out, says Alonso

Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso Photo: web

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Malo Gusto is available for selection ahead of the Blues’ Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.

However, Pep Chavarria, Emmanuel Emegha and Emi Martinez will miss the encounter as they continue their respective recoveries from injuries.

Chelsea head into Saturday’s London derby on the back of consecutive league victories, having beaten Bournemouth 5-1 before securing a 2-0 win over Everton.

Tottenham, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, recorded their first Premier League victory of the campaign in their previous outing but are yet to win away from home this season.

In a post obtained from Chelsea’s website, speaking after Chelsea’s training session at Cobham on Friday, Alonso confirmed that Gusto was ready to return after missing the victory at Everton.

“Malo is fine,” the Chelsea manager said.

Providing an update on Chavarria, Alonso added: “Pep is training a little bit more, but he is not going to make it \[for the Tottenham game].”

Emegha will also remain unavailable as he continues his recovery. The striker, who joined Chelsea during the summer, is yet to make an appearance for the club.

“He’s feeling better, but we need to wait,” Alonso said.

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Meanwhile, Martinez will be sidelined for several weeks after suffering a jaw injury during Chelsea’s victory over Everton.

The Argentine goalkeeper was stretchered off in the second half following a collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and was taken to hospital for further assessment before undergoing surgery.

Alonso confirmed that Martinez was recovering well but would need time before returning to action.

“Emi is doing better,” he said.

“He had the surgery and day by day he is feeling better, but we still need to wait. A few weeks. Hopefully, less than that, but we need to wait.”

The Chelsea boss added that the club would continue to monitor the goalkeeper’s progress in consultation with medical professionals.

“The good thing is that he is feeling better and we need to listen to his feelings, the opinions of the doctors, the specialists, the surgeons. Considering it was a bad one, he is doing well,” Alonso said.

Chelsea will now turn their attention to Tottenham as they seek to extend their winning run and maintain their momentum in the Premier League.

The availability of Gusto provides a boost for Alonso, although the absence of Martinez and the other injured players leaves the manager with decisions to make ahead of the London derby.