Chelsea are back in action on Saturday when they take on Everton in the early game. The Blues picked up a big win last weekend, defeating Bournemouth with a 5-1 scoreline, and that was a rare glimpse of the defence holding up while the attacking line continued to look lethal.
Xabi Alonso has struggled to get both of those aspects at the same time this season, and if his side can manage it consistently, they will be well-placed to surge up the table.
Chelsea are currently in sixth place, five points behind Arsenal in second and eight points behind Manchester City in first. A title challenge might be a big ask for Alonso in his first season in charge, but if he can get Chelsea in the top three and without much distance from second place, it will be seen as a successful campaign indeed.
Everton, meanwhile, are actually above Chelsea on goal difference, and they come into this one on the back of an entertaining 2-2 draw with Hull City. The Toffees are unbeaten across all competitions this season, so they are going to be a tough nut to crack here.
David Moyes' men are on a mission to qualify for Europe this season after missing out last term, and they look as though they have a chance of achieving that feat, especially with more defensive improvement likely, knowing Moyes.
Ahead of Chelsea's trip to Merseyside, we have rounded up all the latest injury news surrounding both sides.
Vitali Mykolenko - Doubt
Mykolenko is expected to have a chance here. Moyes said before last week's game: "(Mykolenko) has got a chance for Sunday; the extra day might help. We'll see. We've just got the England players back today for the first time, so hopefully they'll all be fit and ready to go." He didn't make it back after that comment, but he should be in contention here.
Reece James - Out
James is out until the new year due to undergoing minor knee surgery in a bid to correct the issue. James has struggled with injuries over recent years, so the blow will be a difficult one to take.
Jamie Gittens - Out
Alonso confirmed last week: "He's injured his ankle, and he is going to be out for a few weeks."
Emmanuel Emegha - Doubt
It's unclear when Emegha will return from his lengthy layoff. He was ruled out last week without any indication of whether he will be back here.
