Graham Potter could ring in the changes for Chelsea’s clash with AC Milan, as there are a few injury doubts.
Graham Potter will aim to get Chelsea back on track with their UEFA Champions League group when the Blues host AC Milan on Wednesday. The Chelsea manager will make a few decisions with his team selection, as there are a few doubts ahead of the game.
While Chelsea’s update suggested earlier that all players had trained before this game, Potter’s pre-match press conference revealed a few troubles. Among them are N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Kai Havertz and Edouard Mendy. Kante is short of fitness despite taking part in training.
Chelsea vs AC Milan Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Mendy is back, but Potter indicated the Senegalese goalkeeper could be in the squad but not necessarily his starting choice. The Chelsea boss said, “Eddie’s training with the team the last few days, so he’s made good progress. He’ll be in the squad, which is great news for us. It’s really important to have as much competition for places as we can, so it is great to have him back.”
On Jorginho and Havertz, Potter said, “Jorgi felt a little bit of discomfort in his abdominal area against Crystal Palace but was training today, so we’ll see how he reacts to that and take a decision later on today. Kai had a slight feeling as well but again trained today.”
Jorginho and Kante’s potential absence could allow Potter to experiment with Mateo Kovacic or Denis Zakaria in the holding role. Considering the latter has not played significantly since joining Chelsea, Kovacic might be trusted with the role.
Meanwhile, Potter might retain the 4-3-3 shape he used at the weekend. Mason Mount and weekend hero Conor Gallagher should line up alongside Kovacic in midfield. Potter could rest Thiago Silva, with Kalidou Koulibaly getting a chance. The veteran defender should pair up with Wesley Fofana at the heart of the Chelsea defence.
Christian Pulisic will likely come into the final third on the left-hand side. Raheem Sterling might then move to the right flank. Potter might have given an opportunity Armando Broja had Chelsea been in a promising position in their group. But Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to lead the line against AC Milan.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Kepa; James, Fofana, Koulibaly, Chilwell; Gallagher, Kovacic, Mount; Sterling, Aubameyang, Pulisic
