Xabi Alonso faces Chelsea injury problems ahead of crucial Tottenham encounter

The Blues suffered another setback during their 2-0 victory over Everton last weekend when first-choice goalkeeper Emi Martinez sustained a broken jaw.

The Argentine was stretchered off after a heavy collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, with Mike Penders taking his place between the posts. Martinez has since undergone surgery and is expected to spend several weeks on the sidelines.

"What we know is he left the stadium conscious and right now he is in the hospital doing precautionary tests," Alonso said of Martinez after the game.

"It was concussion but more than that I saw only one clip. Hopefully it won't be too bad but we need to wait."

Chelsea were also without Pep Chavarria for the trip to Merseyside after the wing-back picked up an injury during training the previous day.

Chavarria had been hoping to make his third successive Premier League start, but Jorell Hato was selected instead.

Meanwhile, Gusto missed the Everton encounter through illness. However, the French full-back, who has occasionally featured in midfield under Alonso, is expected to be fit for Sunday's London derby.

Captain Reece James faces a considerably longer spell out of action. After suffering a knee injury in training, the defender underwent surgery and is reportedly expected to miss around three months.

Jamie Gittens is another absentee, having sustained an ankle injury while representing England Under-21s against Kazakhstan last month.

The winger returned to Chelsea for assessment and treatment, with Alonso confirming before the Bournemouth match that he would be unavailable for several weeks.