Jorginho is braced to return to the starting lineup in place of Billy Gilmour when Chelsea take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday.
Chelsea lock horns with Sheffield United on Saturday in a must-win battle as they look to solidify their position in the top four. However, manager Frank Lampard will be forced to make one big change following the injury to Billy Gilmour.
The midfielder picked sustained a knee injury in the last game against Crystal Palace and is presumably out for a long-time. Lampard was positive about Scottish youngster Gilmour during his Lampard was positive about Scottish youngster Gilmour ahead of this game.
“The things that are behind Billy are the fact that he’s young, he has an incredible attitude and health to hopefully get over it as quick as possible. Don’t be tricked by the babyface because I think there’s a tough nature to him.”
Nevertheless, Gilmour’s absence should pave the way for Jorginho to return to the starting lineup. The Italian international has been often left out of the starting lineup since the restart, but will once again assume his role in the number six slot. Jorginho is going to be the only change in midfield, though, with Ross Barkley and Mason Mason retaining their places in the 4-3-3.
There is a chance that Mateo Kovacic may be fit enough to feature against Sheffield, but the Croat surely isn’t starting this one. N’Golo Kante, meanwhile, has been confirmed to be out while Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a potential alternative to Jorginho in the number six role.
In defence, Antonio Rudiger is once again fit but might have to settle for a place on the bench due to the impressive performances of Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen. There might not be any changes elsewhere either, with Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta operating as the full-backs and Kepa Arrizabalaga starting in between the sticks.
Finally, in the attack, Olivier Giroud has done extremely well of late, notably scoring four goals in his last six matches. He is, therefore, the favourite to get the nod ahead of Tammy Abraham, who has looked clumsy following an incredible start to the campaign.
While Giroud will spearhead the Chelsea attack, he will be partnered by the wide-attacking duo of Christian Pulisic and Willian. Both the players are in exceptional form heading into this game, although Lampard does have other options as well, including Pedro and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Chelsea Predicted XI: Kepa; James, Zouma, Christensen, Azpilicueta; Barkley, Jorginho, Mount; Willian, Giroud, Pulisic
