Xabi Alonso and Chelsea will have had a full week to prepare by the time the Blues' Premier League clash with Tottenham comes around on Saturday evening

Pep Chavarria was due to start for Chelsea in their clash with Everton last weekend but a small injury for the Spaniard meant he was forced to withdraw from the matchday squad.

Instead, Xabi Alonso gave Jorrel Hato the nod at left wing-back and the Netherlands international took his opportunity at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Hato helped the Blues keep their first clean sheet in nine months in the Premier League, while the Dutchman also provided a threat going the other way.

The 20-year-old's powerful run into the box down the left-hand side saw him get into a position to deliver a wonderful cross for Pedro Neto to open the scoring on Merseyside.

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It hasn't been an easy start to the season, or life under Alonso, for Hato. A costly mistake in the draw with Hull City last month saw him dropped from the side for the defeat to Brentford prior to the international break, but he will be hoping to win back Alonso's trust if Chavarria's injury keeps him out of another game this weekend.

Alonso will update the public on the latest injury news when he takes his pre-Tottenham press conference at 1:30pm (UK time) on Friday, where we should hear more regarding Chavarria's fitness. The Chelsea manager, though, should be relaxed when it comes to the injury given Hato's display at Everton.

Elsewhere, Alonso will not be able to call upon Emiliano Martinez, who underwent surgery on a fractured jaw over the weekend after sustaining the injury in the 2-0 win over the Toffees. Mike Penders did well after he replaced the goalkeeper and the Belgian is set to make his full Premier League debut when Spurs come to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

Alonso was thrilled with Penders' performance after he entered the pitch on Saturday afternoon in difficult circumstances. Speaking after the win, the Chelsea boss said: "He did well. You could see what's about Emi, his personality, he's brave, and we have full trust with him.

"He played in the cup games, and whenever he's needed, like the other players, whenever they are needed, they can perform, like Jorrel.

"He did really well today as well, coming in the first game after the little problem with Pep. This is all about the squad, so that all the players feel important, that they will have their moment whenever they are needed, and that's very positive as well."