Chelsea have been handed a key injury boost ahead of their trip to Sunderland in the final round of fixtures before the international break.

The Blues are currently experiencing difficulties in midfield, with captain Reece James sidelined until the New Year with a knee injury.

Ecuadorian star Moisés Caicedo has had to deal with “discomfort” in the build-up to the trip to Wearside, but Xabi Alonso has confirmed that the midfielder will face a late fitness test, despite not being pictured in open training earlier in the week.

One midfielder who has returned to training and is in contention to face Sunderland is Jordan Henderson.

The 36-year-old missed Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United due to illness, but according to Nizaar Kinsella, the Englishman is back in contention to take on his boyhood club.

The midfielder's return will be a timely boost for Alonso, with his experience and leadership potentially providing some much-needed composure in midfield, particularly in the absence of James.

Henderson has made five appearances in all competitions for the Blues since joining on a free transfer from west London rivals Brentford. The midfielder’s debut for Chelsea also happened to be against the Bees, a fixture Alonso’s side lost 3-0.

His return to action was delayed after he broke his arm while celebrating England’s victory over Mexico at the World Cup in July.

Despite making regular appearances since his return, England boss Thomas Tuchel has opted against recalling the midfielder for the final two matches of the Nations League group stage. Speaking to reporters after announcing his squad, Tuchel admitted that he had had “difficult phone calls” given the contributions Henderson and other players made over the summer.

With Caicedo facing a late fitness test, his availability for the Sunderland clash remains uncertain. Chelsea's lack of depth in midfield, highlighted by their reported interest in Bournemouth's Alex Scott, could provide Henderson with an opportunity to partner Romeo Lavia.

The Belgium international is proving to be a key player in the centre of the park for Alonso after recently completing back-to-back 90-minute appearances for the first time in his Chelsea career. His ability to dictate play and drive the ball forward was also evident in the build-up to Morgan Rogers' opener against Manchester United on October 31.

Keeping Lavia fit remains the biggest challenge for everyone at Stamford Bridge, given his inconsistent injury history. With the Blues not competing in European competition, however, his chances of staying fit have been boosted.

Unlike Henderson, Lavia will join up with the Belgium national team after the Sunderland game, alongside Mike Penders, for the final two UEFA Nations League group matches against Turkey and Italy.

With injuries continuing to cause problems in west London, Alonso will be hoping to avoid any further setbacks over the next couple of weeks. Chelsea will then turn their attention to Leeds United later in November, hoping to have Caicedo fully fit and available once again.