Chelsea have received a major boost ahead of their Premier League encounter with Sunderland following the return of goalkeeper Emi Martinez to first-team training after recovering from a fractured jaw.

According to a report by the London Evening Standard on Friday, November 6, 2026, the Argentine shot-stopper has resumed training at Cobham while wearing protective facial gear. His return increases the possibility of being available for Sunday's match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Martinez sustained the injury during Chelsea's victory over Everton last month. However, his recovery has progressed quicker than anticipated. Despite this positive development, head coach Xabi Alonso must decide whether to immediately restore him to the starting lineup or continue with Mike Penders, who impressed during his absence and kept a clean sheet in the 2-0 victory over Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Moises Caicedo remains another fitness concern for the Blues after reportedly experiencing discomfort following their win against Manchester United. The Ecuadorian midfielder was missing from the portion of Wednesday's training session made available to journalists, creating uncertainty over his availability for the Sunderland fixture.

In another positive development, Aaron Anselmino has returned to training after recovering from injury and has also received a call-up to the Argentina national team.

Romeo Lavia is expected to retain his place in midfield after delivering an impressive performance against Manchester United. Estevao is also hopeful of keeping his starting position following his encouraging display in the same encounter.

However, Chelsea still have several injury problems to contend with. Joao Pedro, Maxence Lacroix and Jorrel Hato remain unavailable, while club captain Reece James is continuing his rehabilitation following knee surgery and is not expected to return until January.

Jamie Gittens is also expected to miss the upcoming fixture after suffering an ankle injury while on international duty with England Under-21s last month.

Consequently, Alonso is unlikely to make significant changes to the team that defeated Manchester United, although the fitness conditions of Martinez and Caicedo could play an important role in determining his final selection.

Chelsea's predicted starting XI (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Lavia, Chavarria; Estevao, Palmer; Rogers.

Injured players: Joao Pedro, Reece James, Maxence Lacroix, Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato.

Doubtful players: Emi Martinez and Moises Caicedo.

Martinez's return to training is an encouraging development for Chelsea as they prepare for Sunday's difficult away fixture. Nevertheless, Alonso will have to assess the goalkeeper's fitness carefully before deciding whether to bring him back into the starting lineup or maintain the team that secured an impressive victory over Manchester United.