Xabi Alonso could be in a position to welcome Emi Martinez back for Chelsea's Premier League clash against Sunderland this weekend, while Aaron Anselmino has taken a big step in his recovery from injury.

Martinez has missed Chelsea's last three games across all competitions after undergoing surgery for a broken jaw sustained upon a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite in the win over Everton last month.

The Argentina international was expected to be sidelined for around six weeks, but reported before the win against Manchester United that there was optimism Martinez could be back fit ahead of schedule, and Alonso confirmed as much in the pre-match press conference.

"Yes, there is a chance. We need to still wait for next week, but let's see how things go," Alonso said in response to being asked if Martinez could return against Sunderland. "But there is a chance."

It would appear that Martinez is on course to be in contention to replace Mike Penders in goal at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon as he was put through his paces at Cobham on Wednesday ahead of Chelsea’s final fixture before the November international break.

The 34-year-old was spotted in the session wearing a protective face mask and will need to do so if selected against Sunderland.

"In case he's ready to play, he will need a face mask probably," Alonso added.

There was also the rare sighting of forgotten £17million signing Aaron Anselmino, who has not featured in a Chelsea senior matchday squad since the Carabao Cup second round win over Luton in August.

The 21-year-old defender has been sidelined with an unspecified injury, but is on the road to recovery.

“He’s not available yet,” Alonso revealed last week. “He's had a few things, a few injuries and it still will take a few weeks until he's fully fit and we need to be cautious with him because he has had a few of them so he's still not there.”