Sunderland await Chelsea with visitors facing injury calls
Sunderland U21 lost 2-1 to Blackburn Rovers U21 after defensive errors and a penalty. Tom Proctor scored and impressed, but Alan Browne was sent off late in defeat.
Chelsea may be without Geovany Quenda at Sunderland after a muscle problem. Xabi Alonso faces a late decision, with injuries already affecting Reece James, Joao Pedro, Maxence Lacroix and others.
Sunderland's slump has sparked questions over Granit Xhaka's form and whether Chelsea's failed summer move unsettled him, though midfield depth and wider issues are also cited.
Discarded.
Before Sunderland, Xabi Alonso said Cole Palmer is focused on Chelsea despite his England snub. Emi Martinez faces a late test, while Moises Caicedo, Maxence Lacroix and Joao Pedro are injury concerns.
Chelsea face late calls on Emi Martinez and Moises Caicedo before Sunderland. Jorrel Hato, Maxence Lacroix and Joao Pedro are ruled out for the trip to the Stadium of Light.
With Le Bris under pressure after defeats by Coventry City and Dinamo Zagreb, Sunderland are being linked with Kim Hellberg, Chris Davies and Brian Barry-Murphy as possible replacements.
Sunderland host Chelsea seeking a lift after seven league games without a win and a 2-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb. Omar Alderete is suspended, with Brian Brobbey and Enzo Le Fee set to start.
