Chelsea arrive on Wearside without four regulars and with a handful of others carrying late question marks.
Captain Reece James is the longest-term absentee. The full-back had a procedure on his knee and is not expected back until the new year. Maxence Lacroix is also out until after the international break with a hamstring problem.
João Pedro is nursing a thigh injury and has been withdrawn from Brazil’s international plans. Jamie Gittens, sidelined by an ankle issue, completes the four.
Martínez eyes a face-mask return
The one clear lift is the sight of Emiliano Martínez back on the grass at Cobham. The Argentina goalkeeper fractured his jaw in a collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite on 17 October and has returned to training wearing a protective mask.
Read also: Flavio Cobolli qualifies for ATP finals without playing as Jannik Sinner misses Turin
Lionel Scaloni has included Martínez in Argentina’s squad for the November international window, and Alonso did not rule out starting him on Sunday. Backup Mike Penders kept a clean sheet in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Manchester United.
The manager was less optimistic about Aaron Anselmino. Alonso said the Argentine defender remains well short of full fitness.
“He’s not available yet. He’s had a few things, a few injuries and it still will take a few weeks until he’s fully fit.”
Quenda and Henderson late calls
Geovany Quenda has become the latest worry. The winger missed training on Wednesday and Thursday with a muscle issue and is still working to be ready for the weekend. Jordan Henderson, who sat out the Manchester United game with illness, is expected to be available but not guaranteed, and Jorrel Hato is in a similar position. Moisés Caicedo also sits on the doubtful list after his own recent niggle.
Read also: Max Eberl admits he didn’t name Vincent Kompany as first choice over fears of club’s reaction
Kick-off at the Stadium of Light is at 2pm local time on Sunday, with the match broadcast on Sky Sports.
Read also: Liverpool’s £116m signing sees transfer value plunge by €37m in just one month
