Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez returned to training this week ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Sunderland, though the Blues have several fitness concerns to resolve before the match at the Stadium of Light.
The Blues travel to Wearside hoping to build on last Saturday's 2-0 win over 10-man Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. Young goalkeeper Mike Penders kept a clean sheet in that game as summer signing Martinez continued his recovery from surgery following the fractured jaw he suffered in last month's victory against Everton.
Martinez back in training
Martinez, wearing a protective face mask, was involved in Chelsea training at Cobham this week and could play on Wearside, depending on whether head coach Xabi Alonso is keen to immediately reinstate his number one.
Alonso will provide the latest update on his squad's fitness and injury status when he holds his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.
Caicedo absent, Henderson doubt
Moises Caicedo was not spotted during the 15 minutes of Wednesday's training session that was open to the media, but previously injured Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino was involved just a day after being selected to play for his country over the upcoming international window.
Alonso will be expected to provide clarity on the health of Jordan Henderson, who missed the win over United due to illness. Romeo Lavia started in his place and excelled, so could keep his spot. Estevao also started against United and impressed, making him another player Alonso may find it difficult to bench.
Injuries and predicted lineup
Joao Pedro and Maxence Lacroix are both sidelined, along with Jorrel Hato and captain Reece James, who is recovering from knee surgery and unlikely to be available again until January. Winger Jamie Gittens suffered an ankle injury on international duty with England's Under-21s last month and will be out for "a few weeks", Alonso said a fortnight ago.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs Sunderland (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Lavia, Chavarria; Estevao, Palmer; Rogers.
Injured: Joao Pedro, James, Lacroix, Gittens. Doubts: Caicedo, Henderson, Martinez, Hato, Anselmino.
Time and date: 2pm GMT on Sunday November 8, 2026. Venue: Stadium of Light. How to watch: Sky Sports.
