Sarri insists out-of-form Alonso is not tired

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Maurizio Sarri does not believe fatigue has been a factor in Marcos Alonso’s recent below-par performances.

Alonso, ever present for Chelsea in the Premier League this season, has been nursing a back problem and was well short of his best in the games against Fulham and Wolves.

Speaking at a media conference on Friday afternoon, Sarri suggested that he could leave Alonso out against Manchester City this weekend but has reservations about doing so, partly because of what the Spaniard offers from set pieces.

And the Blues boss is not convinced that Alonso is in need of a rest.

Sarri said: “In the last period he didn’t play a lot. He wasn’t in the national team in the last international break.

“He played in all the 14 matches in the Premier League but he didn’t play in the Europa League and he didn’t play in the (Carabao) Cup.

“He played not very well against Fulham. He played better in the first half in the last match and then he had problems in the second half.

“I need to understand, because for me he is not tired. I want to see the last training (session) and then I will decide.”

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Emerson Palmieri, who has not made a league appearance this season, has impressed when called upon and is an alternative option at left-back.

“Of course Emerson is a good option,” Sarri said.

However, the Italian added: “I have to also consider some details. For example, without Alonso we could have problems in set pieces. So I have to consider everything.”