Xabi Alonso has dropped Estevao for Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Sunderland for “more steel in midfield”, according to Daniel Sturridge.

The Brazilian is one of two players to make way for Chelsea following last weekend’s 2-0 win over Manchester United, with Josh Acheampong a surprise absentee from the matchday squad at the Stadium of Light.

Summer signing Pep Chavarria has replaced the Blues youngster in a change that sees Marco Palestra switch over from the left to the right-hand side of the defensive set-up.

Estevao, meanwhile, drops to the bench despite an impressive display in the win over Man United, as Jordan Henderson returns in midfield against another of his former clubs.

The 36-year-old will be partnered by Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in the engine room - mirroring the midfield trio that started the Carabao Cup penalty shoot-out loss to Liverpool last month.

Speaking before kick-off, Sturridge admitted he was shocked to not see Estevao’s starting for Chelsea but feels Alonso has made the decision to make his side more stable in midfield.

"I like it. I'm surprised Estevao isn't on the pitch with how exciting he was last week, he almost scored a couple,” Sturridge said on Sky Sports.

"We know what Cole Palmer is, we know Neto can provide those runs in behind with his pace. I know he's probably not going to hold it up against centre-backs, but with Rogers you know what you get with him too.

"They've gone with a bit more steel in midfield. They're a team who are leaning more on the attacking side and relying on their attacking players to go out there and win the game.

"But I think here, they're thinking they need a bit more stability in the centre of the park."