EPL: GUSTO FIT FOR TOTTENHAM CLASH, MARTINEZ OUT, SAYS ALONSO

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Malo Gusto is available for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez remains sidelined.

Gusto missed Chelsea’s 2–0 victory over Everton through illness but has recovered ahead of the London derby at Stamford Bridge.

“Malo is fine,” Alonso said during his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Martínez, however, is recovering from surgery on his jaw following a collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The Argentine goalkeeper was stretchered off and taken to hospital after the incident.

Alonso said Martínez was improving but would need several weeks before returning to action. He stressed that the club would follow advice from doctors and specialists rather than rush his recovery.

Chelsea will also be without Pep Chavarria, who has increased his training but is not ready to feature against Spurs.

Striker Emmanuel Emegha remains unavailable despite making progress in his recovery.

Chelsea head into the derby following consecutive league victories over Bournemouth and Everton, with Gusto’s return giving Alonso another option as he prepares his team.