Martinez (jaw) will be assessed after Saturday's final training session before a decision is made on his availability for Sunday's Premier League clash against Sunderland, according to coach Xabi Alonso. "It is very good that Emi has made a great effort to be back and is ahead of the plan to be part of the team. So, tomorrow we will check and then on Sunday we will take the final decision."
Analysis:Martinez has returned to training wearing protective headgear after undergoing surgery for a fractured jaw following Chelsea's victory over Everton on Oct. 17. The goalkeeper is progressing ahead of schedule and could make his comeback Sunday, although his availability remains subject to a final assessment. He has recorded one clean sheet across six Premier League appearances this season, while Mike Penders has started Chelsea's last three matches in his absence. A decision on who starts between the posts will be made closer to kickoff if Martinez is cleared to play.
