Sunderland vs Chelsea Match Preview: Key Player Availability and Impact

Match Context

Sunderland host Chelsea at the Stadium of Light on 24 May 2026 in Premier League Regular Season - 38. Sunderland sit 10th on 51 points (goal difference -7), while Chelsea are 8th with 52 points and a goal difference of 7.

Sunderland Availability

Sunderland have multiple concerns.

• D. Ballard (Red Card) is sidelined.
• S. Moore (Wrist Injury) is sidelined.
• R. Mundle (Hamstring Injury) is sidelined.
• C. Talbi (Muscle Injury) is sidelined.
• O. Alderete (Injury) is doubtful.
• B. Traoré (Knee Injury) is doubtful.

Creative hub E. Le Fée and midfield leader G. Xhaka, both among the league’s top assist providers, are available to start.

Chelsea Availability

Chelsea also travel with a stretched squad.

• J. Derry (Concussion) is sidelined.
• Estêvão (Hamstring Injury) is sidelined.
• J. Bynoe-Gittens (Muscle Injury) is sidelined.
• R. Lavia (Knock) is sidelined.
• M. Mudryk (Suspended) is sidelined.

Top scorer João Pedro (15 league goals, 5 assists) and key midfielder E. Fernández (10 goals, 4 assists) are both available.

Impact Summary

Sunderland’s absentees mainly hit depth in defense and attack, but their primary creators remain intact, preserving much of their attacking output from 40 league goals. Chelsea lose wide options and midfield rotation, yet retain the core of an attack that has produced 57 league goals, with João Pedro and E. Fernández still central to their threat.