Andreas Christensen is likely to drop out of the starting XI, while Olivier Giroud and Mateo Kovacic should start when Chelsea face Norwich City this midweek.
Chelsea will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they play hosts to bottom feeders Norwich City at Stamford Bridge on Matchday 36 of the Premier League on Tuesday night.
Ahead of the game, manager Frank Lampard has no fresh injury concerns, with N’Golo Kante, Fikayo Tomori unavailable for selection, along with Billy Gilmour, who is a long-term absentee. Andreas Christensen came off with an ankle injury in the last game, but is fit and available, Lampard confirmed in his pre-match presser.
“Kante’s not fit. He has a chance for the semi-final on Sunday. Andreas Christensen had to come off at half-time [at Sheffield United] with an injury, but he’s back in the squad. The rest is as we were,” he said.
Norwich in our sights! ? pic.twitter.com/NqHOW0dvrp
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 13, 2020
However, despite his return to full fitness, Christensen is unlikely to start on Tuesday night, after his woeful performance against Sheffield United this past weekend. In his place, Antonio Rudiger is expected to feature from the get-go, partnering Kurt Zouma at the heart of the Chelsea defence.
Reece James endured a difficult outing last time and could do with a breather, with captain Cesar Azpilicueta moving to right-back against Norwich. This would open up space for Marcos Alonso to return to the starting XI on the left side of the defence. Kepa Arrizabalaga should get the nod in goal, despite his inconsistent ways.
With Kante and Gilmour both unavailable, Lampard has to stick with his vice-captain, Jorginho, at the base of the three-man midfield. Ross Barkley picks himself in the middle of the park after enjoying a good run of form in the past few matches. But, there ought to be a change in the final slot as Mateo Kovacic should come in for Mason Mount, who was poor last time out.
In attack, Willian and Christian Pulisic have been Lampard’s preferred options on the flanks. And that is unlikely to change on Tuesday night, with Callum Hudson-Odoi likely to be left out on the bench once again.
Tammy Abraham featured from kickoff this past weekend against Sheffield United, but failed to make the desired impact. So, it is very much a strong possibility that Olivier Giroud returns to the starting lineup against the Canaries, in place of the Englishman.
Chelsea Predicted XI: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Zouma, Alonso; Barkley, Jorginho, Kovacic; Willian, Giroud, Pulisic
