Chelsea potential line up against Leeds

9:41am on Friday 12th March 2021
By Martin Macdonald

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will still be without the services of Thiago Silva for Saturday's Premier League showdown with Leeds United.

The Brazilian has not played since the start of February due to a thigh issue, but returned to the bench for the 2-0 win against Everton. However, Tuchel reported in his Friday press conference that his defender had suffered a set-back in training, ruling him out of the Leeds game.

Andreas Christensen, then, will start once again.

Kurt Zouma also played in defence for the match against the Toffees, but he will probably drop out for Antonio Rudiger, with Cesar Aziplicueta making up the back three.

Both Jorginho and Mason Mount are suspended for the Atletico game so are certain to start this one, with the latter likely to partner N'Golo Kante in the middle of midfield with Mateo Kovacic on the bench.

Tuchel has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal for the attacking midfield and forward positions at the moment.

Kai Havertz enjoyed one of his best performances of the season against Everton, flourishing in the False 9 role to lead the line, so he will probably be awarded with another start.

In behind, Timo Werner should be trusted again, alongside Mount.

Marcos Alonso started against Everton so Ben Chilwell could be recalled for this one, with Callum Hudson-Odoi being deployed in the other wing-back role.

Olivier Giroud, Hakim Ziyech, Reece James, and Christian Pulisic are all pushing for starts, too.

Tammy Abraham remains a fitness doubt due to an ankle issue.