Xabi Alonso confirms 28yo Chelsea star won't face Spurs

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that wing-back Pep Chavarria won't be fit for the Premier League derby against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

The Blues have found momentum since the international break, with back-to-back league wins, and will be aiming to continue the run against Spurs at home tomorrow evening.

Ahead of the game, Alonso has revealed that Chavarria is training a bit after his recent injury absence, but won't be fit enough to feature in the London derby. He told reporters: "Pep [Chavarria] is still training a bit more, but he's not going to make it."

With the 28-year-old absent, Jorrel Hato looks the front-runner to start in the left wing-back position against Spurs. The Dutchman played 89 minutes at Everton last time out.

The other choices could be Marco Palestra or Malo Gusto, given Pedro Neto has been immensely successful as a right wing-back this term. The Portuguese bagged a brace against Everton.