Xabi Alonso is preparing for his 13th match as Chelsea manager in all competitions as the Blues go to Sunderland, and already, he has used eight different midfield pairings.

Alonso’s preferred midfield pairing is known to be Reece James and Moises Caicedo, but the Chelsea boss has been unable to use that. Caicedo’s calf prevented him from starting with James before his injury.

Jordan Henderson has also missed games due to injury, and it has forced Alonso to constantly change who he starts in the middle of the park. Even Malo Gusto was used as a trial midfielder against Brighton.

Moises Caicedo in training ground scare on Wednesday

Chelsea started 2026-27 with James and Lavia, while Henderson and Valentin Barco played at Brentford. Reggie Watson even made his debut against Leeds, but Caicedo and Henderson have been used most.

Henderson was missing on Saturday, which saw Lavia and Caicedo partner with each other for the first time this season in the win over Man United. But now, Football London claim Caicedo was missing today.

It is unclear if he has an injury or if Chelsea are monitoring his load, but Caicedo was not in training on Wednesday ahead of the clash against Sunderland. It could lead to another midfield change on Wearside.

Caicedo’s potential absence could see an eighth midfield pairing

While Caicedo was missing on Wednesday, Football London do confirm that Emi Martinez, Henderson and Aaron Anselmino were all back in training. Martinez and Anselmino were called up by Argentina.

With Henderson fit again after missing Man United due to illness, it is likely that in the absence of Caicedo, Henderson would come in against another of his old clubs, having already played against two.

Henderson faced both Brentford and Liverpool, and now he could start at Sunderland if Caicedo is absent. Lavia arguably produced his best performance in a Chelsea shirt on Saturday, and will certainly start.

Henderson and Lavia have not yet started together for Chelsea, meaning Alonso could be forced to start an eighth different midfield partnership on Sunday when Chelsea go to Sunderland, in just his 12th game.