Xabi Alonso has provided the latest Chelsea injury updates ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea host London rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge this weekend as they look to extend their two-game winning run since the international break.

As expected, the Blues will be without Reece James (knee), Jamie Gittens (ankle), and Emiliano Martinez (jaw) for the derby. 

Unfortunately, Xabi Alonso confirmed that Pep Chavarria, who missed last week’s 2-0 win over Everton due to a training injury, will remain out.

On the bright side, Malo Gusto, who was also absent against Everton due to illness, returned to training on Thursday and will be in contention to play.

“Malo is fine. Pep is still training a bit more, but he’s not going to make it (vs Spurs),” Alonso confirmed in Friday’s pre-Spurs press conference.

Given Chavarria’s expected absence, Alonso will likely continue to rely on Jorrel Hato at the left wing-back position. Marco Palestra, who naturally plays on the right, is also capable of playing in this position.

As for Gusto, he is not expected to be in the starting XI considering Pedro Neto’s form at right wing-back. Still, his return could prove crucial in the upcoming busy week.

Alonso also mentioned that he expects Martinez to be out for “a few weeks”.

“Emi is doing better. He had the surgery. We still need to wait. A few weeks; hopefully less than more.

“The good thing is, he is feeling better. Considering it was a bad one, he’s doing good.”

The goalkeeper recently shared his recovery progress on social media, posting a video of himself on an exercise bike. This means he can at least stay fit while waiting for approval to return to the training pitch.

Chelsea, who will aim to extend their winning run, are considered favourites heading into the derby. It makes sense given Spurs’ difficult start to the season, with just one league win so far, and their abysmal record at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have won the last six Premier League clashes with Spurs and could win a seventh straight win for the first time in the club’s history. Tottenham have not beaten Chelsea since their 2-0 home win in February 2023, their only win in their last 15 league encounters.

However, Alonso insisted that the results do not fully reflect the quality of Roberto De Zerbi’s side, and Chelsea will still have to “prove” themselves.

“I have seen a good team in bad results,” the Spaniard said about Spurs. “We are expecting a tough game.”

“We have to be prepared. Early days for everything.”

Chelsea have a week to prepare for this match, which Alonso said has allowed the team to work on “specific and general things”. That said, it will be interesting to see whether the upcoming Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Liverpool on Wednesday will affect the manager’s team selection and load management.