Bruno Saltor has never picked a starting XI before but will be tasked with doing so for the first time as interim-Chelsea boss when they take on Liverpool on Tuesday evening. The Brighton legend has spent his entire coaching career under Graham Potter but will now have to take full responsibility for what happens on the pitch following the 47-year-old's departure on Sunday night.
Bruno confirmed in his press conference on Monday that Chelsea's injury outlook was the same as the weekend, meaning he will not be able to choose Thiago Silva, Edouard Mendy or Cesar Azpilicueta for his maiden starting XI. It also leaves the likes of Raheem Sterling and Wesley Fofana in an uncertain situation after Potter suggested last week that they could be available to face Jurgen Klopp's side.
The interim coach took charge of training for the first time on Monday afternoon and gave little away about the changes he will make for the visit of Liverpool. He did not have the early impact he would look to make with his players, however.
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He said: "Obviously it is a massive challenge. I have been just four years coaching but I have been 20 years involved in football. I start really early and I have a lot of experience in changing room. What I will try to do is help the players, guide the players because I have been in those situations before. Then I think I have got that feeling that I can help, especially young players that have never been in this situation before."
With Mendy ruled out Kepa Arrizabalaga seems certain to start in goal but the players ahead of him are more difficult to ascertain. Given the errors against Aston Vill and the criticism Potter faced for his selection of Reece James, Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella in a back three, it seems easy to suggest that will change against Liverpool
The easy answers would be to bring in Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile to partner Koulibaly with Reece James returning to wingback to mirror Ben Chilwell on the opposite flank. They are likely to find protection from Enzo Fernandez and Mateo Kovacic in the centre of the park against Liverpool's midfield three.
The Blues have opted to have a winger to test the opposition backline in recent weeks, with the support of Joao Felix and Kai Havertz who appear likely to keep their places. Mykhailo Mudryk made two significant misses against Villa so may lose his place, while an immediate start for Sterling may be too much to expect.
Mason Mount has led the line in the past and could feature after remaining on the bench against the Villans, or he could help provide additional support in the centre of the pitch if Havertz returns to be Chelsea's most advanced forward.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Kepa; Chalobah, Koulibaly, Badiashile; James, Enzo, Kovacic, Chilwell; Mount, Felix, Havertz.
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