Xabi Alonso sweating over another Chelsea injury ahead of Sunderland clash

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso faces another potential absence ahead of Sunday's match against Sunderland, with attacker Geovany Quenda dealing with a muscle issue. The 19-year-old missed training on Wednesday and Thursday and is scheduled to undergo a late fitness test before the trip to the Stadium of Light. The problem is reportedly not considered serious, but it threatens his availability for the upcoming Premier League fixture.

Quenda joins a lengthy list of fitness concerns for fourth-place Chelsea, who are already managing injuries to Reece James, Joao Pedro, Maxence Lacroix, and Jamie Gittens. However, Alonso's squad has received some positive news with Aaron Anselmino returning to group training and goalkeeper Emi Martinez participating while wearing a protective mask following a fractured jaw.