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The Chelsea player forcing his way back into Xabi Alonso’s XI after three games out

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Xabi Alonso is facing selection headaches ahead of Chelsea's match against Sunderland on Sunday, with Emi Martinez pushing to start after missing three games since fracturing his jaw. Martinez was spotted training on Wednesday and is vying for a spot against Mike Penders. The decision is expected to be updated by Alonso on Friday.

Kickjolly · AI-written · automatically reviewed · The Chelsea Chronicle ↗
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The Chelsea player forcing his way back into Xabi Alonso’s XI after three games out
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Kickjolly · AI-written · automatically reviewed · The Chelsea Chronicle ↗

Xabi Alonso is facing selection headaches ahead of Chelsea's match against Sunderland on Sunday, with Emi Martinez pushing to start after missing three games since fracturing his jaw. Martinez was spotted training on Wednesday and is vying for a spot against Mike Penders. The decision is expected to be updated by Alonso on Friday. Martinez's return could impact Penders' starting chance.

Martinez's potential return is significant as he is Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper, but Penders has arguably better Premier League stats, having conceded fewer goals per 90 minutes and boasting a better save percentage. However, Martinez has prevented fewer goals overall, and Chelsea's defense has been more solid with him. Penders, a 21-year-old goalkeeper, has started only twice in the Premier League.

Alonso is dealing with other selection issues as well, with Estevao giving him a headache, and other players like Wesley Fofana, Marco Palestra, Jorrel Hato, and Pep Chavarria being fit. Chelsea is looking for revenge against Sunderland after losing 2-1 in May 2026, which ended their hope of European football. The loss highlighted the challenges Alonso faces in making team selections.

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The Chelsea Chronicle ↗
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Chelsea, Sunderland

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Xabi Alonso could find he has many selection headaches to sort through on Sunday as Chelsea go to Wearside to take on Sunderland, and one player is pushing him for a return to the starting XI. Estevao has given Alonso a real headache. While that might not be an issue on Sunday when Chelsea look for revenge at Sunderland, it will be when Joao Pedro is fit. Sunderland beat Chelsea in May 2026. The 2-1 win saw Chelsea’s hope of European football come to an end. Elsewhere, Wesley Fofana’s form may see Alonso use a different defender, while Marco Palestra, Jorrel Hato and Pep Chavarria are all fit.

Source excerpt · The Chelsea Chronicle

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