Chelsea will hope to keep pace with its Premier League rivals against last-place Sunderland but will need to do it without Moises Caicedo.

The Ecuador international didn't travel north with the Blues, with manager Xabi Alonso saying in his pre-match news conference that he has been experiencing "discomfort" since helping Chelsea to a 2-0 win over Manchester United on Oct. 31.

Additional injury news has been mixed for Chelsea, with goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez potentially set to return from the broken jaw and concussion he suffered against Everton, but left back Jorrel Hato was ruled out in addition to long-term injuries for Reece James and Maxence Lacroix.

Caicedo had been a reliable figure for Chelsea, making 55 appearances in the 2025-26 season after going over 45 in each of his first two seasons with the club. But he missed the start of this season with an injury and is still working to find the consistency that he became known for.

Among the traveling squad was 16-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, who made his debut in central midfield in September and provides cover at Caicedo's position.