Ben Chilwell is in line to return to the lineup in place of Marcos Alonso while Mason Mount and Timo Werner should also start when Chelsea face Newcastle United.
Chelsea will be aiming to continue their unbeaten start under new manager Thomas Tuchel when they lock horns against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Monday night in the Premier League.
Ahead of the game, manager Thomas Tuchel has been handed an injury boost as defender Andreas Christensen is fit and available to start after coming off in the last game against Barnsley with a problem. Thiago Silva, however, remains unavailable for the Blues while Kai Havertz is also a doubt to feature.
There will be a few changes made to the side that took the field against Barnsley in the FA cup tie, the first of which ought to come in goal with Edouard Mendy set to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga. With Christensen available, he should start again in the three-man defence, partnering captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger, both of whom did not start in the cup game.
Marcos Alonso has been the preferred option at left wing-back of late under Tuchel. However, ahead of the game, the German explained that summer signing Ben Chilwell will get chances to impress. Speaking in his pre-match presser, Tuchel said: “I spoke to Chilly and I told him that he must trust me that I can see his potential and his talent he will be a big player for us.
“With Chilly, I see another very nice guy, a very reflective person and intelligent. We are looking at ways to reward him. He put in a very good performance against Sheffield United, which was important for him and for the team.”
The England international should get the nod on Monday against Newcastle United while Reece James is likely to come in at right wing-back, to provide Callum Hudson-Odoi with a breather. Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho have been the preferred midfield partnership for Tuchel and that is unlikely to change against the Magpies, seeing as the duo did not start versus Barnsley.
Moving into the attacking unit, Hakim Ziyech did not make that great an impression against Barnsley. And with Mason Mount being in top form, the England international should come in for the former Ajax man when Newcastle United come visiting.
Christian Pulisic is likely to get another run out to add more pace and panache to the attacking unit. Tammy Abraham scored the only goal of the game against Barnsley but is likely to make way for Timo Werner, who has fully recovered from a dead leg which resulted in him being subbed off against Sheffield United last week.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; James, Kovacic, Jorginho, Chilwell; Mount, Pulisic; Werner