Chelsea Prepares for Sunderland Showdown: Injury Updates & Team News
Chelsea are gearing up to face Sunderland in a crucial Premier League clash this weekend at Stamford Bridge. Fresh off a dominant 5-1 victory against Ajax, the Blues have been hard at work at their Cobham training base, preparing for the challenge posed by the Black Cats.
The mood in the Chelsea camp is reportedly high following their midweek success. Head coach Enzo Maresca is focusing on recovery for some players while others are sharpening their skills on the pitch. Key players like Facundo Buonanotte, Reece James, and Trevoh Chaobah have been actively involved in training, alongside Alejandro Garnacho, Marc Cucurella, Pedro Neto, and Robert Sanchez. All eyes are set on securing a vital win against Sunderland.
Injury Concerns & Team Selection Headaches
However, both Chelsea and Sunderland face selection challenges due to injuries and suspensions. Enzo Maresca confirmed that several first-team players will be unavailable for selection. Malo Gusto is suspended following a red card, while Cole Palmer is sidelined for another five weeks. The news gets worse with Benoit Badiashile ruled out until December with a muscle injury. “Benoit will be out until December,” Maresca stated. “He is injured again with a muscle problem.”
On a positive note, Enzo Fernandez made a welcome return to the squad, featuring in the win against Ajax and even getting on the scoresheet. Wesley Fofana also returned after a month-long absence, providing a boost to Chelsea's defensive options.
What to Expect?
With both teams level on 14 points after eight games, this match promises to be a tightly contested affair. Sunderland, despite being newly promoted, have surprised many with their strong start to the season. Chelsea will be aiming to climb as high as second in the table with a victory, but they will need to overcome their injury woes and produce a strong performance against a resilient Sunderland side.
Fans can catch Enzo Maresca's pre-match press conference on the Chelsea Official App and website for the latest updates ahead of the game.