According to a report by Evening Standard on Monday November 2, 2026, Chelsea have received some encouraging injury news following their 2-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United, with Jordan Henderson and Emi Martinez both closing in on returns ahead of their trip to Sunderland.

The Blues secured an important victory against Michael Carrick's side at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer getting on the scoresheet.

However, manager Xabi Alonso still has several injury concerns to manage as Chelsea prepare for their next Premier League fixture on November 8.

Joao Pedro remains one of the club's major absentees after picking up a thigh injury during training ahead of Chelsea's defeat to Tottenham.

The Brazilian striker has missed the club's recent matches, with Alonso confirming that he would be out for several weeks.

The Chelsea manager admitted that the forward's absence was a significant setback, describing him as a key player for the team.

Joao Pedro has also dealt with a knee problem this season and previously consulted a specialist to help speed up his recovery.

Chelsea are expected to be cautious with the striker, who is unlikely to return before the November international break.

His potential return date has been pencilled in for November 21, when Chelsea host Leeds United.

Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson missed Saturday's victory over Manchester United because of illness.

The midfielder had played the full 90 minutes against his former club Liverpool in the Carabao Cup but was unavailable for the Premier League encounter after developing a fever.

Alonso clarified that Henderson was not suffering from an injury but was simply not feeling well enough to travel with the squad.

The Chelsea manager said: "He's ill. There's no injury, but he was not feeling well yesterday and today had a fever in the morning, so he was not feeling good enough to come with the team."

Henderson is expected to recover in time for Chelsea's trip to Sunderland on November 8.

Emi Martinez is another player who could return to action sooner than initially anticipated.

The Argentine goalkeeper has been sidelined since suffering a broken jaw during Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Everton last month.

He sustained the injury following an accidental collision with England defender Jarrad Branthwaite and subsequently underwent successful surgery.

However, his recovery has reportedly progressed well, raising hopes that he could return before the November international break.

Alonso confirmed that there is a possibility of Martinez featuring against Sunderland, although the club will continue to monitor his condition.

The goalkeeper could wear a protective face mask when he eventually returns to action.

Chelsea's backup goalkeeper Mike Penders has deputised in Martinez's absence and impressed with an important stoppage-time save against Manchester United after previously enduring a difficult Premier League debut against Tottenham.

The potential returns of Henderson and Martinez would provide a welcome boost for Alonso as Chelsea look to build on their victory over Manchester United.

However, the Blues will have to remain patient with Joao Pedro, whose return is not expected until later in November.