CHELSEA will be without Conor Gallagher for Tuesday’s Premier League game against Southampton – but will have boss Thomas Tuchel back on the touchline.
Gallagher picked up two yellow cards in the first half of the Blues’ 2-1 home win over Leicester and will miss the trip to the South Coast.
Boss Tuchel watched the game from the stands after serving a one-game suspension.
The German lost his appeal to a red card he received for an altercation he had with Tottenham boss Antonio Conte following a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are also closing in on Leicester’s Wesley Fofana.
However, it is unclear whether the £70million-plus Frenchman, 21, will be registered in time to face the Saints.
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But in a boost to Tuchel, Kalidou Koulibaly will be back from suspension to play in the heart of the defence.
Edouard Mendy will start, and could have a back three of Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva and Koulibaly protecting him.
Reece James and Ben Chilwell could be the wing-backs Tuchel goes for.
Jorginho could be partnered in the midfield by Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has played a key role for Chelsea this season.
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Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz could lead the attack.
Alternatively, Mateo Kovacic could come into the midfield in place of Loftus-Cheek.
Mount could be rested and Christian Pulisic could be handed a chance to impress.
Armando Broja could get the nod to face the team he played for on loan last season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
