Chelsea Confirmed Lineup vs Brighton: Barkley in as Kante misses out with last-minute injury

Frank Lampard has been forced to make a late change in midfield, with Ross Barkley coming into the Chelsea starting lineup for N’Golo Kante against Brighton.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is back in goal for Chelsea after being rested during the midweek. The defence though, was expected to see a centre-back pairing of Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori. But, the former has reportedly fallen ill late on, which means the half-fit Andreas Christensen starts alongside Tomori in central defence.

Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso will provide extra cover and experience at the back. The midfield sees a forced change as well, with N’Golo Kante ruled out with a late injury issue. Ross Barkley thus, steps into the midfield and will partner Jorginho in what appears to be a 4-2-3-1 setup.

Another interesting change comes in attack, with Pedro coming into the starting lineup. Mason Mount, Willian and Tammy Abraham retain their respective positions from last weekend.

Chelsea Starting XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Tomori, Alonso, Jorginho, Barkley, Willian, Pedro, Mount, Abraham

Frank Lampard has been forced to make a late change in midfield, with Ross Barkley coming into the Chelsea starting lineup for N’Golo Kante against Brighton.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is back in goal for Chelsea after being rested during the midweek. The defence though, was expected to see a centre-back pairing of Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori. But, the former has reportedly fallen ill late on, which means the half-fit Andreas Christensen starts alongside Tomori in central defence.

Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso will provide extra cover and experience at the back. The midfield sees a forced change as well, with N’Golo Kante ruled out with a late injury issue. Ross Barkley thus, steps into the midfield and will partner Jorginho in what appears to be a 4-2-3-1 setup.

Another interesting change comes in attack, with Pedro coming into the starting lineup. Mason Mount, Willian and Tammy Abraham retain their respective positions from last weekend.

Chelsea Starting XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Tomori, Alonso, Jorginho, Barkley, Willian, Pedro, Mount, Abraham