CHELSEA could hand Reece James a start against Southampton with Cesar Azpilicueta set to miss the Boxing Day clash through injury.
Frank Lampard has confirmed his captain picked up a knock in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Spurs.
Frank Lampard could decide to start with this line-up against Southampton
And James could be set to take over at right-back for Southampton’s visit to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea boss Lampard confirmed: “Azpilicueta had a small issue at the end of the game, hence he came.
“He never comes off, so we need to check that one.”
Aside from Azpilicueta and long-term crock Ruben Loftus-Cheek, there are no other injury worries for Chelsea.
And Lampard could revert to a four-man defence after implementing a back-five against Jose Mourinho’s Spurs.
Should he do so, Emerson is likely to come in for Marcos Alonso at left-back, and will be sure to match James’ bombing runs up the flanks.
Fikayo Tomori is fully fit again and could get the chance to partner Antonio Rudiger for the first time this season.
In midfield, Jorginho may return to marshall the midfield with N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic making more advanced runs ahead.
That means Mason Mount could continue on the left of attack, with Tammy Abraham leading the line and Willian hoping to turn in another man-of-the-match performance on the right.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard responds to Jose Mourinho’s Rudiger accusations
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
