Xabi Alonso has explained why Josh Acheampong and Emi Martinez have not been included in Chelsea’s squad to face Sunderland.

Alonso has shown faith in Acheampong so far during his tenure at Chelsea but the England youth international was not part of the squad to face the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Martinez has missed Chelsea’s last three matches after suffering a jaw injury in the 2-0 win at Everton last month.

He underwent jaw surgery and his recovery went quicker than expected, with the Argentine training with the squad this week, but he was not part of the squad as Mike Penders retained his place as the starting goalkeeper.

Alonso was asked ahead of the Sunderland game why Acheampong was absent from the matchday squad.

He replied: “He is recovering from a minor thing. He missed the fitness to be ready for today but we are expecting that he will be back after the international break. It’s a pity because he was in a good moment.”

Alonso was then quizzed on Martinez’s absence. He had said on Friday that the final training session before Sunderland, on Saturday, would be used to help determine whether Martinez would make his return at the Stadium of Light.

“He has made a great effort to be available but probably it was too rash, too risky [to be selected],” he said.

“So he will use one more week, 10 days, to keep on training and get used to the mask. I’m sure after the break he will be available.”