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      How Chelsea could line-up at Barnsley in FA Cup with Thiago Silva OUT and doubts over Werner, Pulisic and Havertz

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      THOMAS TUCHEL could be without a trio of forwards for Chelsea’s FA Cup trip to Barnsley.
      Blues fans eagerly await the team news for Thursday night’s fifth-round clash, to get a glimpse at how seriously he will take the competition.

      How we expect Chelsea to line up at Oakwell

      Timo Werner is a doubt ahead of the trip to YorkshireCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      At Paris Saint-Germain, Tuchel would regularly introduce fringe first-team players into his cup sides and a similar route can be expected this week.
      Thiago Silva continues to be sidelined with the defender suffering from a hamstring injury.
      While Timo Werner suffered a knock against Sheffield United and may miss the game, along with Kai Havertz who sat out the win at Bramall Lane.
      Christian Pulisic was absent for personal reasons, putting his involvement on Thursday in doubt.

      Should the American be available, he could be given a run out up front in a new false-nine role.
      Pulisic described his new training plan earlier this month: “It’s a kind of a false striker.
      “It’s been good so far. We’ve got a new outlook on things, we have had a really good win so it’s been a positive start.
      “It’s been some crazy times recently and just to get a win left all the guys in the changing room really excited.”

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      How Chelsea could line up if Tuchel is handed a number of fitness boosts
      If Werner and Pulisic are absent, Tammy Abraham could return to the XI with Olivier Giroud still yet to score under Tuchel.
      Hakim Ziyech will hope to start after three games out of the side.
      And the midfield could be completed with weekend scorer Mason Mount in front of N’Golo Kante and Billy Gilmour, both of whom were benched in Yorkshire.
      Emerson Palmieri may be favoured at left wing-back in Tuchel’s 3-4-2-1 for his first outing under the new Chelsea coach and Callum Hudson-Odoi may come in on the opposite flank to allow Reece James a rest.
      At the back, Kepa Arrizabalaga should be handed another cup start.
      If Tuchel sticks with his three-man defence, Silva’s absence means there is limited choice in changing things around.

      Kurt Zouma is another yet to feature for the German and he may replace either Antonio Rudiger or Cesar Azpilicueta in the 8pm kick-off.
      Barnsley are monitoring a number of players, including Aapo Halme, Ben Williams and Liam Kitching, as the Championship side look to repeat their famous cupset of 2008 when they stunned the Blues 1-0 in the FA Cup.
      An extra incentive may be laid down for both teams on Thursday night with the quarter-final draw taking place in the minutes before kick-off.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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      Ben Chilwell offers to take lad for pint after he was RELEASED when Chelsea star skinned him for goal in 2013

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      CHELSEA ace Ben Chilwell has promised to buy the player he ‘skinned’ a pint after it led to his release from his football club.
      Back in 2013 Reece Lucas was playing for Rotherham’s youth team when he came up against Chilwell who was with Leicester.

      Ben Chilwell skinned a player that led to their release from footballCredit: Rex Features

      It proved to be a game to forget for Lucas, with the Millers’ tweeting at the time: “Ben Chilwell skins Reece Lucas before smashing a shot low into the bottom corner.”
      Lucas decided to retweet this bad memory tagging in his former nemesis.
      He wrote: “Cheers @BenChilwell got released after this up at 5:30 for work tomorrow… how you getting on?”
      Lucas now works as a mechanical engineer doing 6am-2pm shifts after his football dream ended.

      Chilwell, 24, replied back to Lucas, tweeting: “I think maybe i owe u a pint when things are back open.”
      Lucas replied: “I’ll hold you to that mate.”
      The pair’s Twitter exchange was met with delight by football fans, with many writing ‘love this’ and ‘pure gold’.
      While Lucas has switched up his career, Chilwell is doing great things in the Beautiful Game.

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      Reece Lucas saw his football dreams ended shortly after he came up against Chilwell

      He completed a £50million move from Leicester to Chelsea in the summer.
      He has also established himself as first-choice left-back for England under Gareth Southgate.
      But he faces a battle now at Stamford Bridge. Thomas Tuchel has welcomed Marcos Alonso back into the first-team fold.
      The Spanish left wing-back was frozen out this season by Frank Lampard before he was replaced by Tuchel.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Chelsea star Ben Chilwell shows off his quick skills in training More

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      Chelsea star Thiago Silva plans to play until 40 with help of £17k hi-tech oxygen chamber that increases blood levels

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      THIAGO SILVA is breathing new life into his war-weary body to keep him playing until 40.
      Chelsea’s vastly experienced Brazilian defender even shelled out almost £17,000 on a hi-tech oxygen chamber to help recover from injuries.

      Thiago Silva plans to play until 40 by keeping his body in the best possible shapeCredit: Instagram

      Thiago Silva has splashed out £17,000 on a hi-tech oxygen chamber to keep his blood levels highCredit: Alamy

      Silva, 36, is keen to extend his one year stay at Chelsea where he has already played several games as captain.
      And he will try anything to maintain his fitness and prove he can soldier on.
      Silva told Four Four Two magazine: “I do a daily two-hour session of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to speed up my recovery.
      “I have a special chamber set up at home, where I breathe pure oxygen at high pressure – that helps to increase levels in the blood.

      “I started doing it seven years ago in Paris, when I was struggling to fully recover from an injury.”
      Centre-half Silva was inspired by basketball stars in the US who have been gulping down lungfuls of O2 to help cope with their punishing regime.
      Silva said: “The physiotherapist I used to work with at Fluminense and Milan began to research recovery measures and looked at what NBA players do. 
      “Given they play loads of matches in a really short time period, their recovery must be spot on, so we felt it would be an excellent benchmark.

      Thiago Silva has been a rock at the heart of Chelsea’s defence this seasonCredit: EPA

      “As it was for the benefit of my career in the long term, I saw it as an investment rather than an expense – it cost $23,000 (£16,700) to get one from the US! 
      “Last year, I decided to invest in a bigger one for $24k (£17k), with more space to move my body and be comfortable.
      “Jorginho saw a photo I posted online and asked what it was, so I invited him to my place to give it a try. 
      “He’s since bought one for himself – but I don’t earn commission at all, OK?  I usually use it after lunch every day – if I’m injured, it’s twice daily.”
      Silva has to be selective about the amount of games he can play as he carefully manages the twilight of a career.  
      His durability has seen him earn almost 100 caps for his country and win the Italian league, seven French titles and reach the Champions League final with Paris St.Germain before moving to Chelsea on a free transfer last September.
      Silva is currently sidelined with a thigh problem and when he is not having treatment or sucking in high-grade gas he is plotting to play on for four more years – having been inspired by legendary former AC Milan team-mate Paolo Maldini who played more than 1,000 career games.

      AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini played more than 1,000 career games and is an inspiration to Thiago SilvaCredit: PA:Press Association

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      He said: “I’m working my body to play until I’m 40. I’m not sure if it’s because I played with Maldini and he carried on until he turned 41, but I watched the last six months of his great career and could see it’s possible to get there. 
      “It was impressive, the way he prepared himself for games, and how he dedicated himself to the team. My plan is to be at the next World Cup in 2022.”
      The latest issue of FourFourTwo is on sale on Wednesday and has an in-depth feature on Tottenham and South Korea forward Son Heung-min, while former Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool defender Kolo Toure answers your questions and there are exclusive interviews with Liverpool keeper Alisson and former Manchester United and Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron for £3 visit: www.magazinesdirect.com/fft/81at

      Inside Thiago Silva’s amazing house as wife pays professionals to put up Christmas decorations More

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      Frank Lampard spotted out with wife Christine and baby as ex-Chelsea boss has some family time after being sacked

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      FRANK LAMPARD took a walk in chilly West London on Monday with his family.
      Joining him on the morning stroll was wife Christine Lampard and a baby, believed to be their daughter, Patricia.

      Frank Lampard took dog Minnie out for a walk on Monday morningCredit: Goff Photos

      Christine Lampard headed out into West London for the family timeCredit: Goff Photos

      Dressed in a thick brown cat, woolie hat and gloves, the former Chelsea manager held the lead of dog Minnie.
      The pooch was fitted with her own blue winter coat in the snowy conditions.
      TV presenter Christine – pregnant with the couple’s second child – wore a hooded blue coat as she tended to Patricia’s pram.
      Lampard, 42, has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in late January.

      Replacement Thomas Tuchel has enjoyed a fine start to life in the dugout, winning three of his four games in charge so far.
      The ex-midfielder has already been tipped for a number of roles since becoming available.

      Championship club Bournemouth are understood to be considering Lampard along with old Chelsea pal John Terry.
      Celtic and Crystal Palace are also options, according to bookies, if they were to make a change.

      Lampard left Chelsea with a win rate of 49 per cent, claiming 1.67 points per league game.
      Upon being sacked, the club legend took home a £2million pay-off which comes in substantially lower than a number of fellow former Blues bosses.

      How Frank Lampard and John Terry compare

      Mason Mount opens up over Chelsea sacking Frank Lampard and admits it’s tough More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Mount proves to Tuchel he is Blues’ main man but Rudiger nearly costs them vs Sheffield United

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      CHELSEA maintained their unbeaten run under new boss Thomas Tuchel with a gritty 2-1 win at Sheffield United.
      Mason Mount scored to see the Blues ahead at half-time.

      Chelsea players celebrate after moving 2-1 ahead thanks to Jorginho’s penaltyCredit: EPA

      But Antonio Rudiger passed the ball into his own goal nine minutes into the second period to give the hosts some hope.
      However their relegation fears increased when Jorginho netted from the penalty spot after keeper Aaron Ramsdale fouled Timo Werner.
      Here, Simon Phillips rates how the Chelsea players fared on their trip to South Yorkshire.
      Edouard Mendy – 6/10
      As always there wasn’t much for Mendy to do in the first half.

      He couldn’t do anything about Rudiger’s mad moment, and made a good save at the death.
      Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
      Not his best game in a Chelsea shirt and he really struggled to deal with United’s high press, as did many of the Chelsea players.
      But the captain did his job defensively and helped the team.
      Andreas Christensen – 7
      Made some very good bursts forward with the ball and looked confident in stepping up and replacing the world class Thiago Silva.

      Some might have thought of him as a weak point – he was far from it.
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      Timo Werner won his side a penalty that Jorginho nettedCredit: Reuters

      Antonio Rudiger – 5
      Some dodgy moments from him and guilty of over-playing or having a heavy touch, he was uncomfortable under the high press.
      His own goal to put United back in the game was just ridiculous. But he did go a little way to redeem himself in the later stages with some last gasp defensive work.
      Reece James – 8
      So calm on the ball and under pressure, which he was a lot at Bramall Lane.
      But James was always an outlet, always used the ball well and looked a threat going forward.

      Jorginho coolly slotted home Chelsea’s secondCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Jorginho – 6
      Gave the ball away too often in the first half and was not dealing with the Blades’ high press.
      Took his penalty well to put Chelsea back in front.
      Mateo Kovacic – 8
      Some great moments from him in deep areas, bringing Chelsea out of danger.
      He also looked for the long ball and showed good vision with a few dangerous forward passes.

      Thomas Tuchel is STILL unbeaten as Chelsea boss – with three wins in fourCredit: Reuters
      Ben Chilwell – 6
      Some sluggish moments early on in the game but his pass to find Werner for Chelsea’s first half goal was excellent and he grew into it from then on.
      Taken off for Alonso on 61 minutes.
      Mason Mount – 8
      He said he needed to be more clinical in the final third, and he stuck to his words to finish off Chelsea’s first half with a great goal.
      Mount was his usual lively self and was a menace to the United back line.

      Mason Mount had another fine game in midfield and scored the openerCredit: Reuters
      Timo Werner – 7
      Was always looking to make things happen and he was very progressive in possession.
      Set up Mount superbly for Chelsea’s first half goal, and he also won the penalty for Chelsea’s second.

      Rudiger won’t want to watch his comical own goal backCredit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement
      Olivier Giroud – 5
      Bit of a spare part through most of the first half and didn’t really look comfortable in the formation dropping deep to collect the ball.
      It didn’t really bring out the best of him.
      SUBS
      Callum Hudson-Odoi for Giroud (61 mins) – 7
      Lively from him after coming on, he linked up well with James and Mount and was always a threat.
      Marcos Alonso for Chilwell (61 mins) – 6
      His aerial presence in both boxes was welcome.
      N’Golo Kante for Werner (74 mins) – 6
      Did his job well to see out the game at the end.

      Sheffield United vs Chelsea as it happened More

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      Chelsea verdict: Tuchel must find way to finish sides off as Blues make win far more difficult than it needed to me

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      IT was an odd evening for Chelsea at Bramall Lane.
      The Blues got all three points against Sheffield United, but the game very much had a feel of being a tough Champions League semi-final match.

      Thomas Tuchel continues to have that winning feeling – but it could be even easier to achieveCredit: AP:Associated Press

      In reality it was against a bottom of the league Premier League side.
      Thomas Tuchel is now unbeaten in four matches for Chelsea, three of those wins, but it was actually his trusted and reliable centre-back Antonio Rudiger that made the win very difficult.
      In fact ironically, Rudiger has become the first player to score against Tuchel since the German took the reigns.
      His trusted compatriot scored the weirdest of own goals to put Sheffield United back in the game at 1-1, when it actually looked much easier to just clear the ball.

      This sums up the oddness of the game, and the oddness of Tuchel’s starting line up.
      He went with his usual 3-4-2-1 but it really seemed to lack any real creativity.
      Olivier Giroud played in the hole but he looked uncomfortable and unfamiliar there.
      Tuchel is a tactical genius, so of course he will have valid reasons for that.

      Mason Mount and Jorginho scored the goals that set Chelsea on their wayCredit: PA:Press Association

      But Giroud is a target man, a very good target man at that, but nothing more than that to be honest. This formation made him look poor.
      I believe that the game would have been much easier if Tuchel had a more creative option playing in that position.
      But apparently there weren’t any available – with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz not even being named in the squad.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi came on for Giroud in the second half and it changed the emphasis of the game, Chelsea became a bit more comfortable and won it 2-1 in the end.
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      Chelsea were dealt a blow in farcical circumstances when Antonio Rudiger poked past his own keeperCredit: AFP
      But once again the visitors were left hanging on at the end for a second game running.
      And it makes you feel that Tuchel really needs to find a way to win matches more convincingly – and earlier on – to avoid these situations.
      It wasn’t Timo Werner’s fault this time, he played very well and created both goals for Chelsea, with a good assist for Mason Mount and winning a penalty.
      But they really need to start putting together performances that will make them a lot more comfortable in matches.
      Of course, the three points are all that matters and helps Chelsea climb up the table even more, this is what is essential for them right now and the German boss is doing the job.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Sheffield United vs Chelsea as it happened More

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      Sheffield United 1 Chelsea 2: Jorginho penalty takes Blues a point off 4th spot despite calamitous Rudiger own goal

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      JORGINHO spared Chelsea’s blushes from the spot to make it three wins on the spin.
      The Blues were cruising to a third victory in four under new boss Thomas Tuchel after Mason Mount’s first-half strike.

      Jorginho scored the winning goal after a defensive error from both sidesCredit: PA:Press Association

      Antonio Rudiger gave Sheffield United a leveller with his calamitous own goalCredit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement

      But they then shot themselves in the foot thanks to a comical own goal from Antonio Rudiger after a misunderstanding with Edouard Mendy.
      Chelsea were not behind for long as Sheffield United keeper Aaron Ramsdale brought down Timo Werner seconds later to allow Jorginho to convert from 12 yards.
      Tuchel has made a promising start to life in the Chelsea hot seat since replacing Frank Lampard last month with this win taking them up to fifth – and just a point off fourth.
      The Blades had been in good form themselves, winning three of their last five – two of those coming at home – but they barely laid a scratch on Chelsea.

      Their best chance came in the opening 30 seconds as Oliver Burke latched onto Ollie McBurnie’s through ball but fired into the side netting with the goal gaping.
      A common theme of Tuchel’s opening games at Chelsea has been control, but there was none of that from the visitors in the early stages.
      But they had a chance to snatch the lead as Timo Werner – whose last league goal came in the reverse fixture back in November, 14 games ago – tried to lob Ramsdale.
      Chris Basham cleared the ball away before Mount could finish off the move.

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      The stats from Sunday night
      And Basham was in the thick of it at the other end in the 12th minute, winning a penalty for the hosts after being brought down by Ben Chilwell.
      But a VAR review rightly ruled out the goal as replays showed Basham was a yard offside before receiving the ball.
      Chelsea failed to react, and looked certain to enter half-time with the scores 0-0 before a moment of magic from Mount.
      A neat one-two between Werner and Mateo Kovacic allowed Chilwell to play the German forward in behind the defence, and his cut-back from the byline found Mount.
      Having watched Three Lions midfield rival Phil Foden shine for Manchester City against Liverpool earlier in the day, Mount ensured he was also in the headlines with a fine first time effort into the bottom corner.
      But Chelsea remained shaky, and that showed in the 55th minute as Rudiger routinely intercepted Burke in the area before attempting a bizarre pass-back to his keeper.
      Mendy was already rushing out to collect the ball, and could only watch helplessly as the ball trickled into the net.
      Sheffield United were back in the fight, but not for long – seconds in fact.

      Mason Mount fired Chelsea ahead in the first-halfCredit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement

      Timo Werner was felled after a poor back pass to Aaron RamsdaleCredit: Getty – Pool

      Kean Bryan’s poor back pass was picked up by Werner, who knocked the ball around Ramsdale only to be taken out by the Blades shot-stopper.
      Play continued for another minute before VAR requested referee Kevin Friend take a look at the pitch side monitor, and the replays were damning as a penalty was awarded.
      Jorginho stepped up and calmly sent Ramsdale the wrong way – who was checked for a head injury in the minutes following after his collision with Werner.
      Werner was unable to end his alarming goal drought as he was taking off in the final ten minutes before having his left thigh strapped in the stands.
      But that will be the least of Tuchel’s worries should his new team keep on churning out results.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Sheffield United vs Chelsea as it happened More

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      Watch Antonio Rudiger’s calamitous own goal as Chelsea defender somehow beats Edouard Mendy in horror cock-up

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER was guilty of a monumental error to score a comedy own goal against Sheffield United.
      Chelsea were one up at Bramall Lane in the 55th minute when the defender appeared to take control of an unthreatening situation.

      Oliver Burke struggled to latch onto an Oli McBurnie through ball into the 18-yard box and Rudiger moved across.
      Edouard Mendy jumped off his line as the Chelsea goalkeeper looked to collect the ball.
      But Rudiger decided to try and roll it back to his team-mate with Burke breathing down his neck.
      However, the pair got their wires crossed and the pass missed Mendy by at least a yard.

      The ball then delicately rolled over the line to make it 1-1.
      German defender Rudiger was left frustrated and made a gesture with one hand above his head as he muttered to himself.

      Antonio Rudiger committed a glaring error in Sunday’s gameCredit: Reuters

      Chelsea managed to recover from the mishap that made it 1-1Credit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement
      As the Blades celebrated a rare piece of good fortune, he looked stunned and cursed his luck.
      Having been left out by former boss Frank Lampard, Rudiger had been enjoying a reprieve under Thomas Tuchel.

      In fact, he had played every minute of the coach’s perfect start that had seen him yet to concede as Chelsea manager – until Rudiger’s own goal.
      The Blues went ahead on Sunday night through a fine Mason Mount finish.
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      After the equaliser, bottom-club United managed to return the favour with Kean Bryan’s sloppy ball back to Aaron Ramsdale.
      The goalkeeper took Timo Werner down to give away a penalty, which Jorginho scored to seal the 2-1 win.
      Chelsea were lifted up to fifth and just a point off the Champions League places ahead of the midweek FA Cup trip to Barnsley.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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