Chelsea took the lead against Stoke City on Saturday via a Gary Cahill header from a Cesc Fàbregas corner — the first of three leads taken on Saturday, only the third of which Chelsea did finally hang onto — but on the same play, left wing-back Marcos Alonso appeared to injure his right ankle.
It’s unclear if he did it all by himself by, for example, landing wrong, or if he got accidentally trod on as several people hurled their bodies at the delivery, but the end result was that he stayed down for several minutes and received treatment on the sidelines.
Thumbs up from the physios, who are treating Marcos Alonso, after having his ankle stood on in the corner that made it 1-0.
— Chelsea Activity (@ChelseaActivity) December 31, 2016
Conte was less than happy with Alonso at the time — he was already annoyed with Marcos for pulling out of a 50-50 challenge just prior to the goal — and for a short while, it looked like the defender’s day might be ending early.
Conte just got very annoyed with Alonso appearing to pull out of a 50/50 tackle right in front of him. Not a wise move #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) December 31, 2016
Conte angry with Alonso again for taking too long to return to the pitch after getting treatment on an injury. Not sure he believes in pain
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) December 31, 2016
Alonso still limping, Conte still agitated. Ivanovic is doing an extended warm-up on the touchline #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) December 31, 2016
But Alonso soldiered on, all the way through the 90 minutes and into the treatment room. Hopefully it’s nothing that can’t be fixed by a little TLC from the Chelsea medical staff.
Marcos Alonso looks like he needs patching up before Spurs. Worrying as he's essential for balance. #cfc pic.twitter.com/WJHXdhA30d
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) December 31, 2016
There’s no word if Alonso received any treatment for the bruising he got from Stone Cold Bobby Madley however.
madley played out alonso so bad with the fake handshake pic.twitter.com/5PhbYjsmiq
— amadí (@amadoit__) December 31, 2016
But a few strategic hugs and celebrations probably helped.
Today great win at home! We couldn't finish the year any better... ! Happy New Year everyone! #CFC #CHESTK #PremierLeague @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/Wk9EcwfsB7
— Marcos Alonso (@marcosalonso03) December 31, 2016