Chelsea injury update: Emi Martinez, Joao Pedro, Maxence Lacroix latest news and return dates

Martinez expected back for Sunderland after jaw surgery; Pedro sidelined for weeks with thigh injury; James recovering from knee surgery.

Chelsea face Sunderland on Sunday with potential fitness boosts and setbacks. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez, sidelined for three games after jaw surgery from a collision with Branthwaite in October, trained Wednesday in a protective face mask and could return this weekend. Manager Xabi Alonso said there is "a chance" Martinez plays at the Stadium of Light. Star striker Joao Pedro, who missed the last three matches with a thigh injury sustained in training, remains unavailable and unlikely to play before the November international break; Alonso described him as "a key player" but said Chelsea must "be ready to deal with the injury." Midfielder Jordan Henderson, absent from the Manchester United game due to illness and fever, should be fit for Sunderland. Captain Reece James continues recovery from knee surgery after a training injury compounded his earlier hamstring issues.