Reece James is ruled out with a knee injury while Mateo Kovacic replaces Mason Mount in the Chelsea lineup for their home game against Arsenal.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has made two changes to the side that was defeated by Newcastle United last time out, for the London Derby against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. One of the changes comes in defence, wherein youngster Reece James has been ruled out with a knee injury.
The youngster limped off against Newcastle and has failed to recover in time for the derby and as a result makes way for Emerson Palmieri, who slots in at left-back allowing captain Cesar Azpilicueta to move to the right-back slot. Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen continue as the centre-half pairing for Chelsea again.
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There is a significant change in midfield as Lampard has opted to bring back Mateo Kovacic into the starting XI after having left the Croat on the bench in the last two matches. Kovacic replaces the ineffective Mason Mount in the side. N’Golo Kante and Jorginho hold on to their spots in the middle of the park.
The Chelsea attack remains unchanged for the Arsenal clash as Callum Hudson-Odoi and Willian occupy the two flanks with Tammy Abraham leading the line.
Chelsea Confirmed XI: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Christensen, Emerson; Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic; Willian, Abraham, Hudson-Odoi
