Xabi Alonso sweating over another Chelsea injury ahead of Sunderland clash
Chelsea could be without another attacker for Sunday's trip to Sunderland, with Geovany Quenda facing a late fitness test after picking up a muscle problem.
The 19-year-old has missed two days of training and is now racing to be available for Xabi Alonso's side.
It is not thought to be a serious injury, but the timing is far from ideal for a Chelsea squad that is already dealing with several absentees.
Alonso will be hoping the teenager can return in time, particularly with Chelsea looking to build on their last victory over Manchester United.
Geovany Quenda faces late fitness test for Sunderland clash
Quenda missed Chelsea's training sessions on Wednesday and Thursday because of a minor muscle issue, according to reports from BBC Sport's Nizaar Kinsella.
The Blues will make a late decision over whether or not to include the Portuguese youngster in their travels to Sunderland.
That leaves Alonso with an anxious wait ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture at the Stadium of Light.
Quenda has made five league appearances since arriving from Sporting CP in the summer, although only one of those has been from the start. His most notable involvement came when Alonso surprisingly selected him ahead of Estevao for the 2-0 defeat against Tottenham.
The teenager has not yet established himself as a regular starter, but he makes for a decent squad option.
Losing him for the Sunderland game would be another frustrating setback, even if he has not been a guaranteed starter.
Chelsea injury list continues to cause problems for Alonso
Quenda's fitness concern comes at a particularly difficult time for Chelsea.
Reece James is recovering from knee surgery, while Joao Pedro and Maxence Lacroix are also dealing with injuries. Jamie Gittens has been struggling with an ankle problem, and Jorrel Hato has also been an injury concern.
There have been some positive developments, with Emi Martinez returning to training wearing a protective mask following his fractured jaw. Aaron Anselmino has also returned to the group after their respective absences.
Moises Caicedo's availability has also attracted attention after he was not seen during Wednesday's training session.
Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League and will want to take advantage of a fixture against the team currently bottom of the table. But Sunderland will not make life easy for them, particularly at the Stadium of Light.
Alonso will be desperate to have as many options available as possible. Quenda may not be one of his first names on the teamsheet yet, but another absence would leave Chelsea with even fewer forward options.
