Xabi Alonso provides encouraging injury update on Emiliano Martinez

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has revealed that first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will be sidelined for weeks rather than months after undergoing jaw surgery following a sickening clash with Jarrad Branthwaite during last weekend's clash against Everton. The shot-stopper was stretchered off after a lengthy stoppage and immediately rushed to hospital.

"He is improving. He had surgery and is feeling better day by day, but we still have to wait. It will take a few weeks. Hopefully less, but we must be patient. The positive thing is that he is feeling better, and we have to respect the advice of the doctors and surgeons. Considering it was a serious injury, he is doing well."

Mike Penders, who came on to replace Martinez, became Chelsea's youngest-ever Premier League goalkeeper and drew glowing comparisons with his compatriot and former Blues number one Thibaut Courtois—a player Alonso managed at Real Madrid last season.

"There are a lot of similarities," Alonso noted. "Not just in terms of nationality and physical profile—both are left-footed and have a commanding presence. I spoke to Thibaut during the World Cup about Mike, and he also agreed that he sees the resemblance. We need to guide and support him, but he is a goalkeeper for both the present and the future."

Alonso also previewed the upcoming derby against Tottenham, where the Blues boast a dominant record of just one home defeat in their last 41 meetings with Spurs.

"Every derby is special. You can feel the energy and excitement coming from the stands. You need that energy on the pitch because it can give you a real lift. We must have the right attitude, but also emotional control. There is a lot of passion and commitment from both sides, and we want to play with heart. I'm aware of the statistics, but tomorrow is a completely new game. Now we have to show we can keep that run going. We have to play with heart and head."