Earlier today, England manager Thomas Tuchel claimed that Chelsea star Cole Palmer has "missed too many chances" for him to be selected for his England squad for the upcoming international break against Croatia and Spain.

Palmer has started the season off well for Chelsea, scoring five goals in all competitions and providing three assists, but even after passing medical checks prior to Tuchel announcing his squad, that still wasn't enough for the 24-year-old to be called up.

For Cole Palmer, it can be very disheartening to not feel like you have been rewarded for a good start to the season, but Alonso says that they haven't discussed it and have only been talking about what's to come at the weekend.

Throughout all the questions put to Alonso about Palmer's mentality and where his mind is currently, Alonso consistently reiterated that although the England talk can be distracting for some, he and Palmer are only fully focused on Chelsea.

"We have not talked about that. We are playing games and focused on Chelsea things, how to do better and help him become more and more influential in games."

"We speak about Chelsea. We have enough on our plate. We have to focus each weekend and that's what I can impact and talk about."

The other players available

Mike Penders has been Chelsea's number one goalkeeper since Emiliano Martinez had to be stretchered off against Everton on October 17, and since his inclusion in the squad, the young Belgian has impressed. Alonso revealed that Martinez would face a late fitness test to see if he can make the trip to Sunderland.

"Tomorrow, we have the last training session before Sunday. He's training well. Tomorrow, we will check, and Sunday we will make the final decision."

""All the decisions are tough in all positions but it's very good that Emi has made a great effort to be back. He's been ahead of the plans to be part of the team and tomorrow we will check and Sunday we'll take the final decision.""

Midfielder Moises Caicedo has been plagued by injuries this season, playing only 14 minutes before the last international break. Since then, he has started every game, but came off in the closing stages against Manchester United, with Alonso saying that he has been nursing a "little problem", adding that "It's a discomfort rather than a calf [injury]."

Maxence Lacroix and Joao Pedro are both currently injured and both set to be sidelined until at least after the international break, but Alonso said that he will know more about their return prior to the Leeds game.

"We are not expecting them for tomorrow. Let's see, after the two weeks of the international break, how their recovery is and the progress they've made. Ahead of the Leeds game, I'll have more updates."