THE Premier League returns this weekend as table toppers Chelsea travel to the King Power Stadium to take on Leicester City.
Thomas Tuchel’s men currently have a number of injury concerns, with midfielder Mateo Kovacic and striker Romelu Lukaku both out.
But the Blues boss confirmed on Friday that Timo Werner could return after a spell out on the sidelines.
Mason Mount is hoping to come back into the side following dental surgery.
But Thiago Silva is in a race to be available for selection, meaning Trevoh Chalobah could come back into the defensive trio.
Speaking ahead of the clash against Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes, Tuchel said: “I can tell you that Mateo and Romelu are still out for the game in Leicester.
“Romelu is very close to team training so hopefully he will join the squad from Sunday. Let’s see how this works out. He’s pushing hard. Mateo that will take another days until he is ready to join team training – he will miss some more matches.
“Timo is in team training from yesterday. So let’s see. Christian Pulisic feels fine. Thiago Silva will be in the training – he has some trouble in his body and some time differences so let’s see how this works out.
“Mason is back in training, looking hungry and fresh and in good spirits, but we need to evaluate this week’s training sessions.”
Chelsea are expected to stick with their familiar 3-4-2-1 formation as Jorginho and N’Golo Kante prepare to marshall the midfield without Kovacic.
Then Tuchel has to decide whether to stick with Ben Chilwell and Reece James on the flanks or if he mixes things up and selects Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Mount and Christian Pulisic could provide the support for Kai Havertz up front, but the American may be ousted for Werner if the German is deemed fit to start.
Chelsea are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions since their Champions League defeat to Juventus at the end of September.
And the Blues have not lost in the Premier League since Manchester City beat them four days before their European defeat.
Regardless of the result on Saturday, Chelsea will almost certainly retain their place at the top of the table as they currently sit three points above second place Man City with a seven better goal difference.
And they are hoping to have Lukaku back in the team soon, potentially for their midweek clash against Juventus or next weekend when they host Manchester United.
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Tuchel added when asked about when Lukaku could return: “It’s pure speculation and it will not help.
“All I can say is, at the moment, we try hard. If he isn’t training Sunday, then Monday. There are a lot of ifs and I don’t want to put pressure on him.
“He’s putting pressure on himself. We will take things serious as always, have talks with doctors, physios, and the player. If there is something to be decided then good. It will be decided on Monday.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
