Moises Caicedo is fit to start for Chelsea against Sunderland today, but Emi Martinez is not in the matchday squad.

The Blues midfielder had emerged as a slight doubt for the Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light as he was not spotted during the 15 minutes of Wednesday’s training session that was open to the media.

Xabi Alonso then revealed Caicedo’s absence was due to discomfort he felt after the Manchester United match, confirming the final training session before the trip to Sunderland, on Saturday, would be used as a guideline for the midfielder’s availability.

Caicedio’s social media activity suggested he would be fine to start in midfield and that is the case as he is joined in the engine room by Romeo Lavia and former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson, who has recovered from illness.

The Blues head to the Stadium of Light hoping to build on last Saturday’s 2-0 win over 10-man 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.

Mike Penders keeps his place in goal for Chelsea, despite Emi Martinez’s return to fitness

PA

But Martinez - wearing a protective face mask - was this week involved in Chelsea training at Cobham to raise suggestions of an early return, but he is not included in the squad at all.

Previously injured Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino has also been involved in training, after being selected to play for his country over the upcoming international window.

Estevao started against United and impressed, but drops down to the bench.,

Joao Pedro and Maxence Lacroix are both still 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. He will be out for “a few weeks”, Alonso said a fortnight ago.

Chelsea XI vs Sunderland (3-4-2-1): Penders; Palestra, Fofana, Colwill, Chavarria; Lavia, Caicedo (c), Henderson; Palmer, Neto, Rogers

Substitutes: Sharman-Lowe, Anselmino, Gusto, Barco, Nicoll-Jazuli, Quenda, Estevao, Emegha, Welbeck

Injured: Joao Pedro, James, Lacroix, Gittens, Hato

Doubts: Caicedo, Martinez

Time and date: 2pm GMT on Sunday November 8, 2026

Venue: Stadium of Light

How to watch: Sky Sports