Emi Martinez could make a remarkable return in a protective mask at Sunderland on Sunday, less than a month after fracturing his jaw, Xabi Alonso has confirmed — but Chelsea may have to make the trip without Moises Caicedo.
The Argentina goalkeeper was expected to be out for around six weeks after the sickening collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite on 17 October and the jaw surgery that followed. Instead he has returned to training ahead of schedule this week, wearing a protective mask, and is now in contention to start at the Stadium of Light.
Alonso: the decision comes on Sunday
Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Alonso refused to commit either way but made clear how hard Martinez has pushed to be available. "Tomorrow we have our last training session before Sunday and we will decide, but he is training well," the Chelsea head coach said, in quotes reported by Sports Mole.
"All of the decisions are tough. But it is good that Emi has made a great effort to be back and ahead of the plans to be part of the team. Tomorrow we will check and Sunday we will take the final decision."
It leaves Alonso with a genuine dilemma. Deputy Mike Penders has made a positive impression in Martinez's absence, and rushing a goalkeeper back into exactly the kind of aerial traffic that broke his jaw carries an obvious risk. But Martinez was signed from Aston Villa in the summer to bring authority to a position that had become a problem, and a trip to a Sunderland side fighting for their lives is precisely the kind of afternoon when that authority matters.
Caicedo the major doubt in midfield
The bigger worry may be in front of the goalkeeper. Caicedo missed Chelsea's first training session of the week on Wednesday, and Alonso confirmed it was not, as some had suggested, leave to celebrate his 25th birthday on Monday — it was a fitness issue picked up against Manchester United.
"He had a little problem after the last game, so we expect to check on him tomorrow," Alonso said, as West London Sport also reported. "It is a discomfort, more than the calf."
There was no better news elsewhere. Jorrel Hato is still not fit and will need "some more weeks", while Joao Pedro and Maxence Lacroix are not expected back on Sunday either, with Alonso pointing to the international break and the Leeds game for firmer updates on both. Aaron Anselmino and Jordan Henderson have at least returned to training, which may matter if Caicedo does not make it.
So what: a patched-up side at a dangerous ground
Sunderland are in a relegation scrap and were booed off after their midweek Europa League defeat, but Regis Le Bris expects Nordi Mukiele back — though Omar Alderete is suspended — and the Stadium of Light is no place for a side missing its midfield shield.
Chelsea's season has been built on control in midfield, and Caicedo is the player who provides it. Lose him, and the balance of Sunday changes completely, whatever Alonso decides in goal.
Beyond the Final Whistle: Martinez's return would be a story of sheer will — a goalkeeper back in a mask three weeks after jaw surgery — but the mask is not the risk here. The risk is Caicedo. Penders has shown he can deputise in goal; nobody at Chelsea has shown they can do Caicedo's job. If the Ecuadorian misses out, Sunderland will smell their chance, and Alonso's Sunday decision in goal may not be the one that decides the game. Should Martinez start if he is passed fit, or should Penders keep his place? Have your say in the comments.
