Xabi Alonso has revealed that a key Chelsea duo are doubtful for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Sunderland, while Jorrel Hato remains out.

Chelsea will travel to Sunderland this weekend before heading into the two-week international break. After a convincing 2-0 win against Manchester United last weekend, the Blues, who sit fourth in the Premier League table, will certainly hope to enter the break period on a high note.

Some of the players on their injury list, such as Emiliano Martinez and Aaron Anselmino, returned to training in the last few days. Martinez, in particular, returned earlier than expected after undergoing jaw surgery last month.

The veteran goalkeeper has already taken part in full team training despite having to wear a special mask to protect his jaw.

Alonso confirmed that Martinez could reclaim his spot in goal against Sunderland, but the manager will make his final decision on matchday.

“Tomorrow we have the last session before Sunday. We will decide,” Alonso said at Friday’s press conference when asked about Martinez’s possible return. 

“He is training well. All the decisions are tough in all positions. 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.”

Regardless of Alonso’s final decision on Martinez’s availability, Chelsea should still feel confident with their goalkeeping against Sunderland, considering Mike Pender’s form.

The young Belgium international faced criticism for his poor performance in the derby defeat to Tottenham Hotspur two weeks ago, but has proved to be reliable in the last two games against Liverpool and Man United.

Another key player whose availability remains uncertain is Moises Caicedo.

The Ecuador international missed Chelsea’s first training session of the week on Wednesday. Despite rumours that he was on leave to celebrate his birthday, as he turned 25 last Monday, Alonso confirmed that it was due to a fitness-related issue.

“After the last game (against Man United), he had little problems,” the Chelsea boss clarified.

"We expect to check tomorrow. Moi is one of them (who are doubtful). It’s a discomfort, more than the calf."

Caicedo’s ball-winning abilities are, of course, crucial to Chelsea’s plans, but if he were to somehow miss the game, Alonso still has Romeo Lavia, Jordan Henderson, and Valentin Barco as central midfield options.

In addition to the two key doubts, Chelsea will also be without five other players for the trip to the North East. Among these is versatile defender Hato.

“He is not fit yet. It will take some more weeks,” Alonso said about Hato’s injury.

The other four players on Chelsea’s injury list are Joao Pedro (thigh), Reece James (knee), Maxence Lacroix (hamstring), and Jamie Gittens (ankle).

Henderson, who missed the Manchester United win due to illness, is expected to be available, while Anselmino likely belongs in the doubtful group alongside Martinez and Caicedo.

Anselmino struggled with multiple injuries and has yet to feature for the team since the start of the season.