8 players could miss Sunderland vs Chelsea with European football on the line

Chelsea will face Sunderland in the Premier League but will have several players on the sidelines through injury

Chelsea and Sunderland will have a number of players on the sidelines for Sunday’s Premier League finale at the Stadium of Light. The Blues make the trip to Wearside as they look to secure an important three points.

Calum McFarlane will lead the team for the final time before Xabi Alonso becomes Chelsea’s new manager ahead of next season.

The Blues are currently in ninth place in the Premier League table and will be looking to claim all three points to help their quest to qualify for Europe next season. However, Chelsea will have several players unavailable due to injury.

Chelsea will hope to have Levi Colwill and Joao Pedro available to face Sunderland, with McFarlane providing an update on the duo.

READ MORE : Andrey Santos gives honest verdict on Xabi Alonso as Chelsea summer pledge madeREAD MORE : Xabi Alonso handed Joao Pedro transfer boost but coy Enzo Fernandez Chelsea answer given

“They both trained today,” he said. “Both promising and we're hopeful they'll be fit for Sunday. No other updates.”

Romeo Lavia remains doubtful to feature against Sunderland after the midfielder missed the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City. McFarlane did not offer a fresh update during his press conference ahead of the fixture.

Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian also remain sidelined as they recover from their respective injury concerns.

After being an unused substitute in the win over Tottenham in midweek, McFarlane also offered an update on Reece James’ fitness.

“Reece has trained today [Friday],” McFarlane said. “We'll play it day by day with Reece. He's fit and in good condition but we know we need to manage him carefully.

“He played a lot of minutes in the final - and that will take it out of you.”

FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE!Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

For Sunderland, they will also have some players on the sidelines as they welcome Chelsea to the Stadium of Light.

Chemsdine Talbi will be unavailable for the hosts after picking up an injury during training, while Omar Alderete is also a doubt.

“It might be difficult for him [Alderete] - we’ll make a late decision tomorrow after training,” Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris said.

He added: “Chemsdine picked up a muscle injury in training and he will be unavailable.”

Romaine Mundle is also unavailable due to injury, while the Black Cats will also be without Daniel Ballard as the defender continues to serve a suspension.

Click here to read article