Ian Maatsen is ready to fill in for Ben Chilwell against Fulham after his teammate limped off in Chelsea’s midweek win over Brighton.
Mauricio Pochettino faces a nine-man injury crisis ahead of a trip to Craven Cottage which could offer the defender a chance.
Chelsea are particularly short at the back with Chilwell joining Reece James, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile who are all expected to be out, with Malo Gusto suspended for two more matches after his red card against Aston Villa last weekend.
Maatsen battles Marc Cucurella for Chilwell’s place after they both started Chelsea’s 1-0 Carabao Cup win at home to Brighton on Wednesday.
Asked whether he is ready for his first league start, he said: “Yes, of course. We are a team and when I get my opportunity I am always ready to help my teammates and that’s all I can do.”
The Netherlands Under-21s international is also fighting for his future after Chelsea accepted Burnley's £31.5million offer on transfer deadline day, only for Maatsen to reject a move to his former loan club.
The 21-year-old has less than a year left on his current deal but Chelsea have the protection of a one-year extension option in his current contract.
Maatsen isn’t concerned about the pressure brought on by Chelsea’s dismal league form and is ready to take on that challenge, adding: “It is good to have pressure. We need to stay calm and it will come in time.
“We are ready, we will fight for each other and that is what we all need in this sport. We are a good team.
“We just need to believe in ourselves and we will perform well by leaving it all on the pitch. We focus again on the Premier League and need to play like we did against Brighton on Monday.”
