Chelsea have to sit with a crushing defeat to Sunderland throughout the final international break of the year.

The Blues headed to the Stadium of Light on the back of a 2-0 win over Manchester United, and had the chance to consolidate fourth place in the Premier League table.

However, Xabi Alonso’s side had no response to Enzo Le Fee’s penalty - which was awarded a few minutes after Cole Palmer had controversially seen a claim for a spot-kick of his own turned down following a VAR review.

As such, Chelsea have dropped down to fifth, though there is likely to be some positive news regarding Josh Acheampong, Emi Martinez and Joao Pedro - who all missed the loss to Sunderland - in the next fortnight.

With that in mind, here is the latest Chelsea injury news and return dates…

Acheampong was a surprise absentee from the Chelsea matchday squad at the Stadium of Light, particularly as the youngster had started all five matches prior.

It quickly became clear, via Alonso, that the defender was dealing with a minor issue. The good news is Acheampong is not expected to be sidelined for an extended period.

“He is recovering from a minor thing,” the Chelsea manager said. “He missed the fitness to be ready for today but we are expecting that he will be back after the international break. It’s a pity because he was in a good moment.”

Potential return date: Saturday November 21, vs Leeds (H)

Martinez has now missed Chelsea's last four games across all competitions after undergoing surgery for a broken jaw sustained upon a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite in the win over Everton last month.

The Argentina international was expected to be sidelined for around six weeks, but has made a swift recovery. He returned to training ahead of the Sunderland game and was in contention for a start, but it was ultimately decided that he would not be risked.

"He has made a great effort to be available but probably it was too rash, too risky [to be selected],” Alonso said.

“So he will use one more week, 10 days, to keep on training and get used to the mask. I’m sure after the break he will be available.”

Potential return date: Saturday November 21, vs Leeds (H)

Joao Pedro was forced to sit out Chelsea’s rare home loss to Tottenham due to picking up a thigh injury in training on the eve of the game.

No definitive timeframe has yet been set for the return of the Brazilian but Alonso has promised to have more news on the Brazilian - not selected for international duty - ahead of the Leeds game.

"No, not really updates,” Alonso said before the trip to Sunderland. “For sure, we are not expecting them for [Sunday].

“Let’s see after the international break the recovery that they [have] made. Ahead of the Leeds game, I will have more [news] but not today.”

Potential return date: Saturday November 21, vs Leeds (H)

Chelsea’s influential captain Reece James suffered a knee injury in training at Cobham on his return from another hamstring issue.

After consulting with a specialist, he underwent successful surgery last month that was described as “minor” and Alonso has been reluctant to put a date on his potential return.

Potential return date: Mid-January

Maxence Lacroix limped off late in the first half of the Carabao Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Liverpool with a suspected hamstring injury.

Alonso said that Chelsea would need to assess the problem before estimating a recovery time, later admitting that he would be out until after the November international break.

“Max picked up an injury and we expect that he will not be ready before the international break. So he will be a few weeks out,” Alonso said before the win over Manchester United.

Reports have since suggested that Chelsea fear Lacroix, like James, may not play again until the New Year.

However, Alonso has said he will know more about the severity of Frenchman’s injury after the international break.

Potential return date: January

Jorrel Hato was a surprise absentee from the Chelsea squad that travelled to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup fourth round and has subsequently missed games against Man United and Sunderland.

Following the 2-0 win over the Red Devils, Alonso revealed that the Dutchman was battling a back injury and the recent update suggests Hato could return after the international break.

"No, no, no — he is not fit,” Alonso said of the Dutchman in the pre-Sunderland press conference. “It will take him some more weeks to be fit.”

Potential return date: Saturday November 21, vs Leeds (H)

Jamie Gittens has yet to make a single Premier League appearance for Chelsea so far this season, with his only two outings to date coming against Luton and Leeds in the Carabao Cup.

The winger has been so unlucky with injuries since arriving in west London from Borussia Dortmund last summer, a trend which continued as he suffered an ankle problem while on international duty with England’s Under-21s last month and needed crutches.

Alonso’s last update confirmed that Gittens was still facing “weeks” on the sidelines, putting him on track to return at some point in November or perhaps even early December.

Potential return date: November or December