Sunderland vs Chelsea injury news as 8 ruled out and 5 doubts
Chelsea are back in action on Sunday when they take on Sunderland away from home. The Blues defeated Manchester United last weekend to move up to fourth, and they are only three points behind Brighton in third.
As for Sunderland, they are off to a rotten start, currently bottom of the table and with only five points from their first nine games. The Black Cats need to be careful they don't fall victim to the Premier League's second season syndrome, and they are also having to manage European football along the way.
Ahead of Sunday's game, we have rounded up all the latest injury news surrounding both of these teams.
Romaine Mundle - Out
Mundle is sidelined until the new year with a knee issue.
Habib Diarra - Out
Regis Le Bris has said this week: "Yeah, probably around 6 weeks for the first diagnosis. Really, really frustrating because it feels like he's been in and out, stopped him from building up any momentum and rhythm. So we have to understand exactly the injury, the why, and to prepare him for the next comeback."
Omar Alderete - Out (Suspended)
Alderete is sidelined due to suspension until after the break.
Dan Ballard - Out
Ballard has a hamstring injury that will keep him out until after the break. He has been out since early October.
Nordi Mukiele Mulere - Doubt
Mulere is in concussion protocol and will hope to be cleared, but a decision is yet to be made.
Juan Riquelme - Doubt
Le Bris said last week: "Juan got a kick at the end of the first half in the Newcastle game for the U21s, so he wasn't available." Riquelme will be assessed ahead of this one.
Reece James - Out
James is out until the new year due to a knee procedure.
Joao Pedro - Out
Pedro is going to be out until after the break. Alonso said recently: "He has an injury of his thigh and is going to be out for a few weeks. Let's see how many: we don’t want to predict that, but he won’t be ready for the next games."
Maxence Lacroix - Out
Alonso has already confirmed: "We expect that he's not going to be ready before the international break, so he will be a few weeks out."
Jamie Gittens - Out
Gittens has struggled to shake off his ankle issue. He will remain out until after the break.
Emiliano Martinez - Doubt
Alonso said last week: "Yes, there is a chance [before the break]. We need to still wait for the next week, but let's see how things go. But there is a chance." Martinez has been selected for Argentina, so that suggests he is close.
Jorrel Hato - Doubt
Hato has a chance of returning here.
Jordan Henderson - Doubt
Henderson has been struggling with illness and he should be okay to return, but it remains to be seen.
