Sunderland host Chelsea at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League with both teams expected to have players on the sidelines
Chemsdine Talbi of Sunderland
Chemsdine Talbi could miss Sunderland's clash with Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)
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Both Sunderland and Chelsea will be without a number of players for Sunday's Premier League curtain-closer at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats will take on the Londoners as they look to secure a valuable three points n their final match of the season.
Sunderland go into the game against Chelsea in 10th place and have a chance of qualifying for Europe if results go their way on the final day of the campaign.
However, manager Regis Le Bris will have to deal with a number of injury concerns as they prepare to host Chelsea at the Stadium of Light.
Chemsdine Talbi will be absent for Sunderland after sustaining an injury during training, with Omar Alderete also facing a fitness test.
“It might be difficult for him [Alderete] - we’ll make a late decision tomorrow after training,” Le Bris said.
He added: “Chemsdine picked up a muscle injury in training and he will be unavailable.”
Romaine Mundle is similarly ruled out through injury, while the Black Cats will also be missing Daniel Ballard as the defender continues to serve out his suspension.
Bertrand Traore could be in line to return for Sunderland and face his former club, with the forward having recently recovered from a knee injury sustained earlier in the season.
For Chelsea, they will be hoping to have Levi Colwill and Joao Pedro fit to face Sunderland, with interim boss Calum McFarlane giving an update on the pair.
“They both trained today,” he said. “Both promising and we're hopeful they'll be fit for Sunday. No other updates.”
Romeo Lavia remains a doubt for the clash with Sunderland after the midfielder sat out the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City. McFarlane offered no fresh update during his pre-match press conference.
Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian are also still on the treatment table as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.
Having been an unused substitute in the midweek victory over Tottenham, McFarlane also gave an update on Reece James' fitness.
“Reece has trained today [Friday],” McFarlane said. “We'll play it day by day with Reece. He's fit and in good condition but we know we need to manage him carefully.
“He played a lot of minutes in the final - and that will take it out of you.”