Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso, has confirmed that Jorrel Hato, Maxence Lacroix and Joao Pedro will miss Sunday’s Premier League clash against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The Blues travel to Wearside looking to build on their victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in their previous league outing.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Alonso disclosed that the trio would be assessed during the international break as they continue their recovery from injuries.
On Hato’s condition, the Chelsea manager said the defender was still some weeks away from returning to action.
“He isn’t fit yet. It will take some more weeks. Not yet to be close, maybe after the international break, but it’s going to take longer,” Alonso said.
He added that the club would provide a clearer update on the injured players ahead of their next match against Leeds United.
“After these two weeks of the international break, we will see how their recovery is and the progress they make. For sure, ahead of the Leeds game, I will have more of an update. But not today,” he stated.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could return to the squad after recovering from a jaw injury that required surgery following Chelsea’s victory over Everton.
The Argentine has resumed training this week while wearing protective headgear, but Alonso said a final decision on his availability would be made after Saturday’s training session at Cobham.
“Tomorrow we have our last training session before Sunday and we will decide [if he is fit]. But he is training well,” the manager said.
Martinez’s possible return could present Alonso with a selection dilemma, with Mike Penders having started Chelsea’s last three matches in his absence.
“It’s very good that Emi has made a great effort to be back and is ahead of the plan to be part of the team. So, tomorrow we will check and then on Sunday we will take the final decision,” Alonso added.
The Chelsea boss also provided an update on midfielder Moises Caicedo, who missed training earlier in the week after experiencing discomfort following the previous match.
“He had little problems after the last game, so we expect to check tomorrow on different situations and Moi is one of them. It’s a discomfort, more than his calf,” he explained.
Chelsea will face Sunderland on Sunday, with Alonso hoping to have Martinez and Caicedo available as the Blues seek another Premier League victory.