Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will have to make one major change to his starting line-up when the Blues host Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

According to a report by Football London on Thursday, 22 October 2026, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is expected to miss the upcoming London derby after undergoing successful surgery on a fractured jaw sustained during Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Everton.

Martinez suffered the injury during the Premier League encounter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and was taken to hospital.

Mike Penders replaced the Argentine goalkeeper in the second half and is now expected to make his first Premier League start for Chelsea against Tottenham.

Chelsea have not provided a specific timeframe for Martinez's recovery, meaning Alonso will have to rely on Penders while the experienced shot-stopper remains sidelined.

The expected change comes after Chelsea produced an impressive performance against Everton, with Pedro Neto scoring both goals to secure three points and help the Blues record their first clean sheet in nine months.

The result also continued Chelsea's recent improvement under Alonso, who will be aiming to guide his team to a third consecutive Premier League victory.

Despite the goalkeeping change, the Spaniard could retain most of the players who delivered the convincing performance on Merseyside.

Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill impressed in defence, while Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson provided protection in midfield.

Neto also delivered an outstanding display from the right wing-back position, scoring twice while contributing defensively. Jorrel Hato, meanwhile, provided the assist for the opening goal.

Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro are also expected to retain their places in attack after contributing to the victory.

Alonso could therefore select Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Henderson, Caicedo, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; and Joao Pedro for the Tottenham encounter.

Chelsea will hope to carry their improved defensive form into the derby as they seek another important result against their London rivals.