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.

New selection headache as Martinez pushes for Sunderland start

Emi Martinez was spotted in training on Wednesday, and as per The Mail’s Kieran Gill, the Argentine goalkeeper is pushing to start on Sunday, having missed just three games since fracturing his jaw.

It comes after Martinez was named by Lionel Scaloni in Argentina’s squad, alongside Aaron Anselmino and Valentin Barco: “Xabi Alonso will update us on Friday on whether it’s been decided he can/can’t.

“But Emi Martinez has been pushing to play vs Sunderland, and he’s training today. Leaves Chelsea with a choice: stick with Mike Penders, or immediately return to Martinez,” Gill reported on Wednesday.

It was initially believed that Martinez would be missing for six games, taking him well past the November break and missing Chelsea’s first two games against Leeds United and Nottingham Forest after the break.

Who should Alonso start? Martinez is the obvious choice

Of course, if both players are fit, Martinez should start over Mike Penders. Martinez is the club’s first-choice option, and Penders will fully understand – if a little disheartened that Martinez is back so soon.

But if Alonso turns to the stats to make his decision, who should start against Sunderland? Below, we consider the Premier League form of both goalkeepers; Penders’ stats are arguably better than Martinez’s.

Penders has conceded fewer goals per 90 minutes and boasts a better save percentage. But homage does need to be paid to Martinez, who has prevented less goals – and Chelsea’s defence is more solid, now.

It would be harsh on Penders to drop him, but ultimately, he is a 21-year-old goalkeeper who has started only twice in the Premier League, and against Tottenham, he made a huge mistake during the 2-0 defeat.