According to a report by Metro on October 17, 2026, Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has described Emmanuel Emegha as a “very special” player, revealing that he is looking forward to unleashing the striker once he recovers from his ongoing injury problems.

Emegha joined Chelsea for £21 million last year before spending the 2025-26 season on loan at Strasbourg, where he scored eight goals in 18 appearances. However, despite arriving at Stamford Bridge with expectations of making an impact, the 23-year-old is yet to make his competitive debut for the Blues.

The Netherlands international impressed during pre-season, scoring against Crawley and Bromley, but a hamstring injury disrupted his preparations for the new campaign. Although he was fit enough to be included on the bench during Chelsea’s Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town in August, his fitness problems have continued to prevent him from featuring on the pitch.

Emegha was also the subject of loan interest during the final weeks of the summer transfer window, but Alonso reportedly blocked a potential departure because he believes the striker has an important role to play in his plans.

Unfortunately, the forward suffered another minor setback in training this week, delaying his anticipated debut ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League meeting with Everton.

Speaking about Emegha’s condition, Alonso explained that the youngster was not yet ready to feature but could return to training the following week.

“He's not [ready] yet; he felt something yesterday, little thing, he's going to be training next week, but still not 100 per cent fit to be playing in the game,” the Chelsea manager said.

Alonso also made it clear that he believes Emegha possesses the physical attributes and attacking qualities needed to trouble Premier League defenders.

“When he's fit, he's very special because he's 1.95 metres, he's quick, he attacks the space, he's a threat, so he needs to be fully fit,” he added.

The Spaniard acknowledged that the striker has experienced several minor fitness problems but insisted that Chelsea are eager to have him available to strengthen their attacking options.

“At this moment he's had little things and unfortunately he's not been available, but we are looking forward to when he feels good and when he can help the team,” Alonso explained.

“But it's going to be difficult for the defenders when he's in good shape.”

Emegha's injury record remains a concern, having missed significant portions of last season because of muscular problems. A hamstring injury kept him out for nine matches, while a muscle tear sidelined him for four months between December and April, causing him to miss another 20 games. A dead-leg injury subsequently ruled him out of the final four matches of the campaign.

Nevertheless, Alonso's comments suggest that Chelsea remain confident in Emegha's potential. If the striker can overcome his recurring fitness problems, he could offer the Blues a different attacking dimension with his pace, height and ability to exploit spaces behind opposition defences.