Xabi Alonso has not given much away about Emi Martinez – it looks like we will be waiting until Sunday to find out more.

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Xabi Alonso has just taken his press conference ahead of Sunday’s game against Sunderland, and he had an update on one of his injured players.

Emi Martinez has missed the last few weeks after breaking his jaw against Everton, but he was back in training this week. As is his usual way, Alonso refused to confirm anything about who he would be selecting:

“Tomorrow we have the last session before Sunday. We will decide. He is training well. All the decisions are tough in all positions,” Alonso said.

“Emi has made a great effort to come back, ahead of the plans to be part of the team. Tomorrow we will check, Sunday final decision.”

Martinez must be protected against himself with team decision

That last little bit perhaps hints that Martinez will in fact be playing.

We would still give him another day off – just because he wants to play doesn’t mean it’s the right call for the team. The effects of a recent serious collision and subsequent jaw surgery on a goalkeeper’s decision making and overall performance are likely to be significant, even if they’re technically able to play without much risk.

In other news…

Cole Palmer was left out of the England squad, and Thomas Tuchel was pretty clear on his reasoning why he chose not to pick the Chelsea talisman.

Liam Rosenior has finally spoken about his time at Chelsea, and he was clear on the idea that he was unfairly treated by the media.