Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has a big decision to make ahead of the Blues' trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United on Sunday.
The Whites will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season, while acknowledging that a clash against the 2021 Champions League winners is likely to be their toughest test to date. Chelsea have accumulated the same number of points as Leeds after two games, after beating Everton 1-0 and drawing with Tottenham.
However, Leeds could be boosted by the fact that Chelsea are expected to be without two of their key midfielders. Mateo Kovacic missed the Blues' 2-2 draw with Spurs through injury and the game at Elland Road could come too soon for him, while N'Golo Kante is ruled out with a hamstring issue that he sustained against Antonio Conte's side.
Jorginho is likely to start against Leeds, but the midfielder who plays alongside him is Tuchel's dilemma. There are lots of different options Chelsea could explore, many of whom are fringe players, which could be a big boost to Leeds' chances.
Conor Gallagher could start for Chelsea, and is perhaps the most likely option along with Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Another option is Carney Chukwuemeka, who was linked with a move to Leeds this summer, but he made a £20 million switch to the Blues from Aston Villa. Chelsea certainly aren't short of midfield candidates, with Ross Barkley, Billy Gilmour and Ethan Ampadu all alternatives for the game.
It remains to be seen who starts for Chelsea in the midfield department, but Kante and Kovacic's absences could prove to be a huge help to Leeds. The Blues can call upon a wealth of talented replacements, but perhaps not quite at the same quality as their key duo.
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