As the transfer window ramps up speed to its final day on Thursday, the Premier League gathers momentum as Chelsea are faced with their first-midweek fixture of the season. Chelsea does not appear short of work to do off the pitch with the signing of Wesley Fofana expected after agreeing a fee with Leicester, but Thomas Tuchel's admission the club could do with more players could see a very busy few days.
Ross Barkley departed the club on Monday afternoon by mutual consent, but Tuchel has had to rely on other Chelsea stars who may still see their future as away from the club, with the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic remaining in the Blues' matchday squads. However, neither is likely to start against the Saints.
The Blues boss will be back on the touchline, having been confined to the stands for Chelsea's win over Leicester, but with an injury to N'Golo Kante and Conor Gallagher's suspension, Tuchel will be short of midfielders to utilise for the clash.
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Mateo Kovacic made his Chelsea return from the bench against the Foxes, but Tuchel appears cautious over his ability to complete 90 minutes, leaving room for Ruben Loftus-Cheek to continue his good form alongside Jorginho. It's an area the Blues usually have a surplus of players, and the 49-year-old coach isn't sure he will have a choice to make.
He said: "The headache before the season was whether we had too many players there, but it comes to the fifth game, and maybe we only have two left with experience in this position. Kova from the bench because he is not ready to play full matches at Premier League level as he only had a week after training after his injury.
"It's a strange situation and a situation we don't like. I don't know why we are in this situation, actually. It's like this, and we will have something to think about [over the team selection], or maybe not because it's so obvious who we have left."
Tuchel has confirmed that Kalidou Koulibaly will feature against Spurs, having served his suspension following his two yellow cards against Leeds. The former Borussia Dortmund boss has identified the Senegal international as a leader early in his Chelsea career.
Tuchel said: "Yes, he is already. He's a fantastic player and has a fantastic personality. I am so happy with what I see, not only that we convinced him to come to the club but how he behaves and trains. I see a lot of quality and everything that is needed to be a leading figure at Chelsea. He will be on the pitch at Southampton, he is a massive player for us, and there's no doubt about it."
With this being the first-midweek game, Koulibaly is still likely to be joined by Thiago Silva in defence, and the midfield shortage means Trevoh Chalobah can back up his Leicester start with a place in the back three. That will see Chelsea return to a front three against Southampton, with Mason Mount and Kai Havertz left with a point to prove.
Raheem Sterling is the only one of the forward line to produce an attacking return so far this term leaving his attacking partners desperately needing a goal or assist. Armando Broja returned from injury at the back end of last week and will be hoping to receive a chance soon, particular if Havertz cannot deliver while leading the line. Perhaps Sterling, Mount and Havertz will be on their last opportunity to deliver as a group as rotation begins to enter the mind of Tuchel.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Mendy; Chalobah, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Cucurella; Mount, Havertz, Sterling.
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