Midfield duo missing as Chelsea squad to face Leeds United is confirmed
As per Football.London, the Chelsea squad for their next Premier League game against Leeds United at Elland Road is confirmed. Manager Thomas Tuchel will face a tough ask in finding the right midfield combination with key players Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante missing.
Speaking about the team news in the press conference on Friday, Tuchel confirmed that Kante’s injury, which he picked up during last week’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur, is out for not just days, but weeks. On the other hand, Kovacic requires more treatment for his knee and is out for an undefined period of time.
The manager also spoke about Broja’s injury which made him doubtful for this game. However, the final revealed squad has the Albanian international included for the trip to Leeds.
Regardless of the availability, the striker is expected to start from the bench, as he did in the opening two games. Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling have been the main forwards, with able support from Mason Mount and the two wing-backs.
The dilemma will be in midfield, where Tuchel lacks options. Currently, the German has Jorginho, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Conor Gallagher as options to occupy the two central midfield positions. Mount can do a job there too if required.
On the basis of that, there is an opportunity for Gallagher to start alongside Jorginho and form a good midfield partnership. With Kante and Kovacic out for some games, the 22-year-old has a potential spot in the team he can grab on to for the next few weeks, and possibly months.
At the back, it looks quite settled with Thiago Silva at the heart of the three-man central defence, flanked by Kalidou Koulibaly and either Reece James or Cesar Azpilicueta.
It would be interesting to see who gets the nod at left wing-back. Marc Cucurella did no harm to his reputation with a great performance against Spurs. It could mean another start from the bench for Ben Chilwell.
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea could still sign Jules Kounde if Barcelona fail to register him
- Romelu Lukaku is suggesting Inter Milan sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah
- Thomas Tuchel gave his verdict on whether Chelsea need a striker like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
All in all, a solid squad is travelling up north for Chelsea. The crowd at Elland Road will be hostile, meaning that the teams need to weather an early storm from the home side and then slowly impose their game.