Graham Potter will make few changes to the Chelsea lineup for the visit to Tottenham, with Reece James and Thiago Silva set to return.
Graham Potter will reflect on the morale-sapping defeat to Southampton and make appropriate changes to the Chelsea lineup that faces Tottenham on Sunday. A few players were missing in the last game, with the manager confirming they will return for the trip to Spurs.
During his pre-match press conference, Potter got quizzed about many things related to squad selection and injury updates. The primary focus remained on Cesar Azpilicueta, who suffered a nasty blow to his head against the Saints.
On Azpilicueta, Potter said, “He’s okay, as okay as you can be when you’ve had that type of concussion,’ explained our head coach. ‘He’s around the place, around the boys, it’s great to see him.”
“Obviously he won’t be available to play at the weekend, we need to go through the right protocols, but the good news is he’s doing well.”
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Potter also provided news regarding N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic, ruling them out of the Tottenham clash. He said, “The players who missed Southampton will be back. We’ve had a good week’s training, everybody’s available pretty much, apart from N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic.”
“They are certainly making progress. They are joining the warm-up at the moment and they will be more integrated next week. So that’s good.”
The Chelsea boss will make key changes to his lineup to secure a positive result. Kepa Arrizabalaga will continue between the sticks. But the back four could see changes. Reece James and Thiago Silva will make their returns, while Benoit Badiashile and Ben Chillwell will keep their places.
Mateo Kovacic and Enzo Fernandez should retain their partnership in the middle of the park. Similarly, Noni Madueke will remain on the right wing. But Mykhaylo Mudryk could come on the left-hand side in place of Mason Mount. Joao Felix will play the No.10 role behind Kai Havertz, who returns to the lineup to lead the line.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Kepa; James, Silva, Badiashile, Chilwell; Kovacic, Fernandez; Madueke, Felix, Mudryk; Havertz
