Why Josh Acheampong is missing from Chelsea squad against Sunderland today as Emi Martinez update issued

Alonso has shown faith in Acheampong so far during his tenure at Chelsea but the England youth international was not part of the squad to face the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

Alonso was asked ahead of the Sunderland game why Acheampong was absent from the matchday squad.

He replied: “He is recovering from a minor thing. He missed the fitness to be ready for today but we are expecting that he will be back after the international break. It’s a pity because he was in a good moment.”

Chelsea are without Emi Martinez for a fourth successive game

PA

Alonso was then quizzed on Martinez’s absence. He had said on Friday that the final training session before Sunderland, on Saturday, would be used to help determine whether Martinez would make his return at the Stadium of Light.

“He has made a great effort to be available but probably it was too rash, too risky [to be selected],” he said.

“So he will use one more week, 10 days, to keep on training and get used to the mask. I’m sure after the break he will be available.”