Sunderland v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27 - Source: Getty
Sunderland v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27 - Source: Getty
Xabi Alonso has explained why Josh Acheampong was left out of the Chelsea squad for Sunday's Premier League trip to Sunderland, saying the defender is “recovering from a minor thing” and will not be risked until after the international break.
Acheampong had started the 2-0 win over Manchester United last weekend, a result that lifted the Blues to fourth on 16 points. Alonso made two changes at the Stadium of Light: Pep Chavarria came into the back four in Acheampong's place, with Marco Palestra switching to right-back, and Jordan Henderson replaced Estevao Willian.
Asked before kick-off why the England youth international was missing from the matchday squad, Alonso said (via Chelsea's official media):
“He is recovering from a minor thing. He missed the fitness to be ready for today but we are expecting that he will be back after the international break. It's a pity because he was in a good moment.”
Alonso struck a similar note on Emiliano Martinez. The Argentine goalkeeper had jaw surgery last month and trained this week in a protective mask, but Mike Penders kept his place in goal after a clean sheet against United.
He added:
“He has made a great effort to be available but probably it was too rash, too risky [to be selected]. So he will use one more week, 10 days, to keep on training and get used to the mask. I'm sure after the break he will be available.”
At the time of writing, Chelsea trailed at the Stadium of Light, Enzo Le Fee converting a 36th-minute penalty after Levi Colwill was judged to have dragged down Brian Brobbey, with Colwill booked for his protests against a Sunderland side sitting bottom of the table.
Chelsea's injury list and who is close to a return
Chelsea went into the game without Joao Pedro and Maxence Lacroix, and Alonso confirmed on Friday that neither would be back before the break. The forward has been sidelined with a thigh problem, the centre-back with a hamstring one.
Reece James, the Chelsea captain, is recovering from knee surgery and is reportedly unlikely to be available until January. Jorrel Hato is still short of fitness, with The Athletic reporting a back issue, while Jamie Gittens is out with the ankle injury he picked up on England Under-21 duty last month.