Chelsea defender Reece James is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after undergoing hamstring surgery in Finland this week. The club and James decided to bite the bullet and take the operation to help him with a full recovery and minimise reoccurrence.
World Cup-winning midfielder Enzo Fernandez has also been ruled out with a hernia issue after he was withdrawn during the midweek win over Newcastle. The Argentinian midfielder is likely to benefit from the rest his hernia has forced him to take after looking tired in recent games.
Romeo Lavia, Noni Madueke and Lesley Ugochukwu have all returned to training and the former could make his Chelsea debut after joining from Southampton in August and being named in the match-day squad for the first time this season.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino did tell LondonWorld that any minutes would be earned rather than just given. He said: "After six months, like Nkunku, like him [Lavia], they need to understand they need to be involved, to train hard every day.
"They need to have an impact every time they go to the pitch. It’s not to say we are in a pre-season game and they go to the pitch and we say, if they perform well if they don’t perform well, then no problem", because [they’ve been out for] six months.
"The players need to understand that that is not a charity thing. If we are going to play football, we need to win."
So with that in mind, this is the team Pochettino has put out there today:
1. Djordje Petrovic-5
A spectator in the first half and pulled off a great save before conceding the first goal. Can be proud of his shift today despite taking in two goals.
2. Axel Disasi- 5
Barely lets his manager down. Always committed.
3. Thiago Silva-6
Faultless and ever impressive at tracking his man and reading the game.
4. Malo Gusto -5
He's a proper modern day full back who loves to bump forward. Just needs to work on his defensive side. Booked in the second half.