Chelsea face Manchester United today with Reece James and Antonio Rudiger back in the starting line-up.
A late decision had to be made on the key defensive pair by manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of this evening’s heavyweight Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
James has been out with a hamstring problem, while Rudiger has been sidelined with a groin strain. But both were back in full training ahead of the clash with United, with only final checks needed by Chelsea’s medical staff.
Andreas Christensen does not feature after illness ruled him out of Sunday’s game against West Ham.
FOLLOW MANCHESTER UNITED VS CHELSEA LIVE!
Tuchel said on Wednesday: “Toni was in training yesterday, the same for Reece James. We have another training [session] coming. Hopefully they can do the full training and give us the green light.
“We hope they can be in the squad and play tomorrow. The same for Andreas, we need another examination. He felt sick. He will come back to the training ground today.”
Chelsea are looking to further cement their position in third place with victory at Old Trafford. United, meanwhile, are scrambling around for European football.
Tuchel added: “We and Manchester United would love to be in a title decider, but unfortunately there are two other teams in red and blue who have a word to say and over the last years have made their point strongly.
“We have to accept it and try to close the gap, [to] Manchester United as well in the last year’s campaign being second.
“Man United are one of the biggest clubs, very famous and successful. I can only repeat I am very grateful and excited to play there and arrive with a strong team.
“We arrive to win and play for the victory. This is a great feeling.
“I am not concerned about Man United. It is not my job and they will always recover. It is a huge club and the squad is full of individual talent. I am not involved, we have enough to do here.”
Chelsea XI: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger; James, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso; Mount, Havertz, Werner.
Subs: Kepa, Sarr, Chalobah, Loftus-Cheek, Saul, Pulisic, Ziyech, Kenedy, Lukaku.
