After returning to action with an impressive 5-1 win over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, we head out on the road this weekend, leaving London for the first time this season.

Alonso confirmed before our journey to Merseyside that there were no fresh fitness concerns to highlight. However, Emegha and Gittens remain unavailable.

On Emegha, the Blues manager explained: 'He is not ready for tomorrow; he felt something yesterday (Thursday), a little thing. He is going to be training next week, but he's still not 100 per cent fit to be playing in the game [against Everton].'

The Dutch forward has yet to make his debut for the Blues after his summer arrival from Strasbourg, but Alonso expects the 23-year-old to have a big impact when he is fit and available.

He said: 'When he is fit, he is very special. He is 1.95 metres, is quick, he attacks space, and he is a threat. He needs to be fully fit and at this moment he’s had little things, and unfortunately has not been available.

'But we are looking forward to him feeling good and helping the team, and it's going to be difficult for defenders when he is in good shape.

Gittens, meanwhile, suffered an injury while on international duty with England Under-21s and Alonso confirmed there is no date pencilled in for the winger's return. 'Not yet, it’s still a few weeks,' he said.

It was confirmed this morning that James had undergone surgery on a knee injury sustained in training last Friday. There is no timeframe for the Blues skipper's return, but Alonso says the 26-year-old will remain a key presence in the dressing room.

‘We are all disappointed, and especially for him,' said Alonso. 'He wanted to have a good start after the international break, but in the last training session he picked up an injury. We wanted to be cautious and wait for the result of the tests.

'Now, the surgery has been successful and we will keep supporting him. He will be close to the team as he is a great influence even when he is not available. We wish him a great recovery and while we don’t set timelines, he will be out for several weeks.

‘He is so proud to be playing for this club, and he is so proud to have reached this moment [in his career] because he has played many years and gone through many different stages.

'So he takes that responsibility in a very natural way, with his own way of leadership. He is so respected by his team-mates and he has the support of everyone.'