Chelsea are set for a crucial London derby against Tottenham Hotspur tonight at Stamford Bridge, and manager Xabi Alonso has shared important updates from Cobham.

The Blues are chasing a third straight Premier League win after thrashing Bournemouth 5-1 and beating Everton 2-0 away. A win tonight keeps them inside the top four, while Spurs are fighting to climb out of the bottom half.

INJURY UPDATE FROM ALONSO

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Alonso confirmed one return and several absentees.

Right-back Malo Gusto is back. The 22-year-old missed the trip to Everton because he was sick, but he has trained fully this week and is ready for selection.

In goal, Chelsea will be without their number one. Emiliano Martinez suffered a broken jaw after clashing with Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite last weekend. He has already had surgery and the club says he will be out for a few weeks, with November targeted for his return.

That means 21-year-old Belgian Mike Penders will start. He came on as a substitute at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and became Chelsea's youngest ever Premier League goalkeeper. Alonso trusts him, saying the youngster has already proved himself in cup games.

Other players who will not play tonight are captain Reece James, who is recovering from a knee operation, winger Jamie Gittens with an ankle problem, Spanish defender Pep Chavarria who is still building fitness, and new striker Emmanuel Emegha who is yet to make his debut due to a hamstring injury picked up in pre-season.

WHAT ALONSO SAID ABOUT TOTTENHAM

Despite Tottenham's poor start - just one win in seven league games - Alonso is not taking them lightly. Spurs are now coached by Roberto De Zerbi and beat Coventry in their last game.

"I have watched them, even when they lost they played good football. We are expecting a difficult game," Alonso said. He added that Chelsea must be complete - "with head, heart, intelligence and passion" - to win the derby.

Chelsea's record against Tottenham at home is incredible. The Blues have lost only once in 41 home games against Spurs at the Bridge.

EXPECTED CHELSEA LINE-UP TONIGHT

Based on training, Chelsea should start like this in a 3-4-2-1 formation:

Penders in goal; Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill in defence; Pedro Neto and Jorrel Hato as wing-backs; Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson in midfield; Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers behind Joao Pedro.