Antonio Rudiger and N’Golo Kante return to the side but Christian Pulisic is overlooked as Chelsea get ready to take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has rung in the changes from the side that defeated Fulham at the weekend for the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg tie against Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge.
Edouard Mendy continues in goal but there are a couple of alterations in defence as Antonio Rudiger, who missed the league game due to an injury, is fit enough to start against the La Liga champions. He replaces Kurt Zouma in the lineup while Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta also returns to the side, slotting in at right wing-back, at the expense of Reece James.
Your all-important team news for #CHERMA.
Up the Chels! ✊ ? pic.twitter.com/vlUUXS9cOB
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 5, 2021
Andreas Christensen and Thiago Silva hold on to their places in the backline while Ben Chilwell continues ahead of Marcos Alonso at left wing-back. There are changes in midfield as well, with N’Golo Kante and Jorginho, both of whom were benched for the game against Fulham, returning to the starting XI against Real Madrid, replacing Hakim Ziyech and Billy Gilmour.
Mason Mount continues in the attacking midfield slot, as does Timo Werner, surprisingly, with the German selected ahead of Christian Pulisic who was Chelsea’s best player in the 1-1 draw against Real Madrid in the first leg. The USMNT international has to suffice with a spot on the bench though, with Kai Havertz rounding off the Chelsea attack.
Chelsea Starting Lineup: Mendy, Christensen, Silva, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, Chilwell, Mount, Werner, Havertz.