Image: Chelsea FC. Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer shirts before the Sunderland match, 8 November 2026. Landscape crop and corner branding added.
Josh Acheampong and Emi Martinez are out of Chelsea’s squad for Sunday’s trip to Sunderland, with Xabi Alonso making two changes to his starting team.
Pep Chavarria replaces Acheampong in defence. Jordan Henderson returns in midfield, with Estevao Willian moving to the bench. Mike Penders keeps his place in goal for the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light.
The official Chelsea match centre lists kick-off at 2pm GMT on Sunday, 8 November. It is the Blues’ final fixture before the November international break.
Why is Acheampong missing against Sunderland?
Alonso told Chelsea’s official website that Acheampong is recovering from a minor issue. The manager did not give a more specific diagnosis.
“He missed the fitness to be ready for today but we are expecting that he will be back after the international break,” Alonso said. “It’s a pity because he was in a good moment.”
That is the manager’s expectation, rather than a confirmed return date. Chelsea’s team announcement says Marco Palestra is expected to move to the right after playing at left-back last weekend, with Chavarria coming into the side.
Martinez given more time after jaw surgery
Martinez has not played since Chelsea’s win at Everton last month. He needed jaw surgery after a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite and returned to training this week wearing protective headgear.
Alonso said the goalkeeper had made a strong effort to be available, but selecting him would have been “too risky”. He will have more time to train and get used to his mask.
“He will use one more week, ten days, to keep on training and get used to the mask. I’m sure after the break he will be available,” the manager said.
Penders therefore continues in goal, with Teddy Sharman-Lowe among the substitutes. Martinez’s absence should not be read as a new injury diagnosis: Alonso described the decision in terms of readiness and risk.
Confirmed Chelsea team and substitutes
Henderson returns to the starting side against the club where he began his career. Alonso said his selection was about his importance to Chelsea, rather than his Sunderland connection.
“It’s not that he plays because he was born here, it’s because he is so important for the team and is doing really well,” he said.
Moises Caicedo captains the side alongside Henderson and Romeo Lavia in midfield. Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Pedro Neto are the selected attackers. Aaron Anselmino is on the bench for the first time this season.
Chelsea: Penders; Palestra, Fofana, Colwill, Chavarria; Lavia, Caicedo (c), Henderson; Palmer, Neto, Rogers.
Substitutes: Sharman-Lowe, Anselmino, Gusto, Barco, Nicoll-Jazuli, Quenda, Estevao, Emegha, Welbeck.
Both changes are from the team that started last weekend’s 2-0 home win over Manchester United. Alonso described Sunderland as a tough opponent and said he expected an intense match before the international break.
For the hosts’ defensive selection issues, read our Sunderland opposition update on Alderete and Brobbey.
Your Chelsea side today! Chelsea FC’s confirmed team for Sunderland
Team announcement: Chelsea FC / X, 8 November 2026.
