Chelsea have a number of key players out injured ahead of their Premier League opener against Liverpool this weekend. The biggest blow undoubtedly is Christopher Nkunku, who is out for around three months after injuring his knee in the United States.
Before him, Wesley Fofana also injured his knee and has been ruled out for almost six months with a worse injury, while Benoit Badiashile and Noni Madueke, both without minutes in pre-season, are working their way back to full fitness.
Striker Armando Broja is also back in training after a knee injury that ruled him out of the second half of last season, and he’ll be hoping that he’s not far away from making the first team.
Both Chelsea and Liverpool still have work to do in the transfer window, but the first game of the season will tell us their state of play at the start of the season, with the Reds following Romeo Lavia and Chelsea chasing Moises Caicedo.
Last season, Chelsea scored just 38 goals so it will be interesting to see how new manager Mauricio Pochettino improves their attack. Liverpool missed out on the Champions League and have had to settle for Europa League, while Chelsea will hope that their year outside Europe helps them to a great domestic campaign.
Below is the predicted starting eleven of the Blues ahead of the Liverpool game on Sunday:
9. Reece James-5.5
Best game he’had in the last 10 and now looks to be fit. Then he looked to come off injured | Getty Images
10. Raheem Sterling- 6
A few miss-placed passes in the first half. He said he was going to be the top scorer for the club this season. Would be proud of his role in the equaliser. | AFP via Getty Images
11. Carney Chukwuemeka-5.5
Played ok and got into really interesting positions. Generally I would say he did catch the eye from time to time. | Getty Images
12. Nicolas Jackson-6
Missed a good chance to get his first goal when he fired wide form close range. Looked willing tough and just never stopped running. | Getty Images for Premier League