Chelsea will be without Frank Lampard and Michael Essien through injury and suspension respectively when they host the Black Cats.
England midfielder Lampard will be out for at least another three weeks after he broke down in training on Thursday.
Lampard, who last played for the club at the end of August, was recovering from hernia and tendon problems when he suffered a further setback with his adductor muscle.
Striker Nicolas Anelka, who missed the 1-0 win over Fulham on Wednesday with a back injury, is fit to play but defender Alex is out with a knee problem.
Essien starts a three-match ban after being sent off against Fulham for his lunge on Clint Dempsey.
Sunderland striker Darren Bent will miss the trip as he continues to battle a hamstring injury.
Bent has missed the last two games after sustaining the injury in training.
However, manager Steve Bruce is hopeful his leading scorer will be fit for Everton's visit to the Stadium of Light a week on Monday.
Defender John Mensah is also out as he prepares to consult a specialist over the shoulder he dislocated during last weekend's 2-0 win over Stoke, while Anton Ferdinand (hamstring) will be missing too.
Midfielder David Meyler continues to work his way back towards full match fitness after a knee injury, while Fraizer Campbell (also knee) remains on the sidelines.
Chelsea (from): Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Obi, Ramires, Zhirkov, Drogba, Anelka, Kalou, Malouda, Turnbull, Van Aanholt, McEachran, Borini, Bruma, Ferriera, Sturridge, Kakuta.
Sunderland (from): Mignolet, Gordon, Onuoha, Bardsley, Richardson, Angeleri, Turner, Bramble, Da Silva, Cattermole, Riveros, Henderson, Malbranque, Elmohamady, Zenden, Gyan, Welbeck.
