Chelsea handed huge boost for Sunderland game

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed a big boost with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez expected to make his return against Sunderland on the road this weekend.

The Argentine has been sidelined for the past few games with a jaw fracture, which has coincided with the defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in two competitions.

Goalkeeper Mike Penders has made multiple errors with his shot-stopping and the Blues will be glad that Martinez is available for Sunday's encounter on Wearside.

Sunderland are bottom of the pile in the Premier League with just five points on the board, but they have performed much better than the recent results suggest.

The Black Cats were brilliant against Arsenal at home earlier this campaign where they could have gone ahead from a penalty, which they eventually squandered.

Arsenal went on to win 2-0 in the end, but the second goal only came in stoppage time. Chelsea can expect a similar challenge but must play at their best to win.