Chelsea will miss four first-team players during their visit to Sunderland on Sunday. Five others are still on a tightrope. Xabi Alonso’s side will travel to the Stadium of Light in fourth place following their 2-0 victory over Manchester United, but they are a bit light on numbers.
Alonso will hold his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, which should clear up any uncertainties. However, there are no suspensions to worry about.
**Maxence Lacroix – Out (Hamstring)**
The French centre-back suffered a hamstring injury in the Carabao Cup loss to Liverpool last month. He had started all but one of Chelsea’s games before the injury and is unlikely to return until early 2027.
**Joao Pedro – Out (Thigh)**
Chelsea’s joint-top league scorer with five goals suffered a thigh injury in training. He is optimistically hoping to return against Leeds on November 21, but realistically he will return for the game against Nottingham Forest six days later.
**Reece James – Out (Knee)**
The captain underwent surgery on his knee in mid-October and is aiming to return sometime in January.
**Jamie Gittens – Out (Ankle)**
The winger suffered an ankle injury playing for England’s Under-21s in the last international break. He is aiming to return to action in late November.
**Emiliano Martinez – Doubt (Jaw)**
The goalkeeper suffered a broken jaw in the win over Everton. He required surgery and was training with a face mask at Cobham this week. He has been called up by Argentina for the November break. Mike Penders kept a clean sheet against United.
**Moises Caicedo – Doubt**
The Ecuadorian wasn’t seen in the open part of Wednesday’s training session, and there has been no explanation. We’ll have to wait for Friday’s update.
**Jordan Henderson – Doubt (Illness)**
The veteran midfielder was absent for the game against United due to illness. He has reportedly returned to training. Romeo Lavia shone in his absence.
**Jorrel Hato – Doubt (Back)**
The Dutch centre-back was absent against United and missed the start of training this week.
**Aaron Anselmino – Doubt**
The Argentine centre-back has returned to training after suffering an injury. He has been called up by his national team.
**Sunderland Face Defensive Issues**
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This is going to be a tricky match for both teams. Sunderland will be missing both of their starting centre-backs, with Dan Ballard injured and Omar Alderete suspended following his red card in stoppage time against Coventry.
Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle are also missing for Regis Le Bris. Nordi Mukiele is also a doubt, meaning they may have to field a makeshift back line.
Sunderland have already conceded 17 goals in just nine league games. They are currently at the bottom of the league on just five points and suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League on Thursday.