Sunderland travel to Stamford Bridge next weekend.placeholder image
Sunderland travel to Stamford Bridge next weekend. | Getty Images
The Black Cats travel to Stamford Bridge next weekend and Chelsea will be without a key player for the clash.
Sunderland have been gifted a boost by Premier League rivals Chelsea ahead of the North East side’s trip to Stamford Bridge next weekend.
It’s already looking like a potential banana skin fixture for Enzo Maresca with Regis Le Bris’ side somewhat of the surprise package in the top flight this term. Sunderland have won four of their first eight league fixtures in a confident start to life back in the Premier League.
The Black Cats have lost just two matches and make the trip to London off the back of a 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday. It’s a first visit to Stamford Bridge for the Wearsiders since May 2017, when they were thrashed 5-1.
Chelsea handed team selection dilemma for Sunderland
Chelsea are already navigating injury concerns with Cole Palmer now confirmed to be out until November with a persistent groin injury. The England international won’t feature against Sunderland and the hosts could also be without Enzo Fernandez, who was not in the matchday squad against Nottingham Forest today with an issue picked up over the international break.
Maresca’s side have not helped their injury worries by a poor disciplinary record on the pitch this season either. Chelsea have picked up four red cards in their last six matches with Maresca himself banned from the City Ground touchline having been sent off against Nottingham Forest.
Chelsea nonetheless won that fixture 3-0, proving the end of Ange Postecoglou at Forest, but were handed a fresh team selection issue. Malo Gusto picked up a second yellow card in the 87th minute and was shown red, meaning he will be suspended against Sunderland.
Malo Gusto slammed for ‘stupidest tackle’
Reacting on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Premier League midfielder Leon Osman said: “The manager will be incensed by that red card. It's one of those moments where you are on top in the game, things are going well, you are feeling great, all the chances and tackles are going your way. In hindsight it is the stupidest tackle in the world to make.”
Gusto’s absence is a significant blow for Chelsea and a boost for Sunderland. The Blues are blessed with options in the full-back role thanks to the likes of Marc Cucurella, Reece James and Jorrel Hato, but Gusto offers an important versatility.
The 22-year-old started in central midfield against Liverpool and was given that role again at Nottingham Forest, with Moises Caicedo only fit enough for a place on the bench. With Palmer certainly out and Fernandez a doubt, not having Gusto against Sunderland is a problem for Maresca.
Reacting to the red card, Maresca said: “For sure it's a mistake because it's 3-0, almost 90 minutes. We do not need to make a foul. But also it shows Malo doesn't want to lose that duel. Yes it's not good, but the desire to win games is important."
In other news, Enzo Maresca names Chelsea player is 'very important' after 'deserved' Nottingham Forest win.
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