Chelsea face fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Tottenham, despite securing consecutive victories over Bournemouth and Everton.
Xabi Alonso's side followed their 5-1 win against Bournemouth with a 2-0 victory at Everton, courtesy of two Pedro Neto goals.
However, injuries to Emi Martinez and Pep Chavarria, alongside the continued absences of Reece James, Jamie Gittens and Emmanuel Emegha, have complicated Chelsea's preparations.
Martinez undergoes surgery after Everton collision
Goalkeeper Emi Martinez suffered a broken jaw following an accidental collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Argentine received lengthy treatment before being stretchered off and taken to hospital.
Martinez subsequently confirmed that surgery had been successful.
"Thanks to everyone for the messages. The operation went well," he wrote on social media.
"The most important thing is that we won, and kept a clean sheet. In a few weeks we'll be back."
With Robert Sanchez on loan at Como, 21-year-old Mike Penders is expected to deputise.
Chelsea injury list and expected return dates
Emi Martinez – Expected return: November
Martinez is recovering from a broken jaw after undergoing successful surgery. Mike Penders is expected to replace him in goal.
Pep Chavarria – Expected return: Unknown
The summer signing suffered an unspecified problem in training before the Everton match. Chelsea are still assessing his fitness, with Jorrel Hato available as cover.
Malo Gusto – Expected return: 24 October (possible)
Gusto missed the Everton victory through illness rather than injury and could return against Tottenham.
Reece James – Expected return: Mid-January 2027
Chelsea's captain faces approximately three months on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery.
Jamie Gittens – Expected return: November
The winger remains unavailable with an ankle injury sustained while representing England Under-21s. Alonso expects him to miss several more weeks.
Emmanuel Emegha – Expected return: November
The Dutch striker is recovering from a hamstring injury and recently suffered a minor setback. He is expected to resume training this week but is not yet ready for competitive action.
Key Points
- Emi Martinez underwent successful surgery after breaking his jaw against Everton.
- Mike Penders is expected to deputise in goal.
- Pep Chavarria's return date remains uncertain following a training injury.
- Malo Gusto could return against Tottenham after illness.
- Reece James is expected to remain sidelined until mid-January.
- Jamie Gittens and Emmanuel Emegha are targeting November returns.
What's Next?
Chelsea host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 24 October.
With no European fixture in midweek, Alonso has additional preparation time to assess Chavarria and Gusto, while Penders is likely to prepare for a starting role in goal.
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