Politics
How Chelsea could line up against Real Madrid as Tuchel gives injury update ahead of huge Champions League showdown
CHELSEA could welcome back captain Cesar Azpilicueta against Real Madrid after the defender tested negative for Covid-19.
Thomas Tuchel confirmed the news in his press conference on Monday ahead of the trip to the Bernabeu.
Cesar Azpilcueta could come back into the side after overcoming Covid
But the German coach may not make too many changes to his team after Chelsea beat Southampton 6-0 on Saturday.
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl was blown away by the performance of Tuchel’s side and that may mean only one or two changes on Tuesday.
Romelu Lukaku will be missing once again due to an Achilles problem so Timo Werner will likely continue in attack.
He could start alongside Kai Havertz in a central role after scoring twice from that position on Saturday, with Mason Mount operating just behind the front two.
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Alternatively, Tuchel may decide to play 3-4-3 and start Mount on the right with either Werner or Christian Pulisic on the left flank.
Tuchel’s other dilemma is whether to play Jorginho or Matteo Kovacic alongside N’Golo Kante in midfield.
What is almost certain is Chelsea will play with five at the back – Reece James likely replacing Ruben Loftus-Cheek at right wing-back despite the latter playing well there at St. Mary’s.
Tuchel also has a difficult decision to make in defence – who to pick out of Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen.
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Andreas Christensen could get the nod after featuring at Southampton
The skipper would provide more experience but he looked shaky in the recent home defeats to Brentford and of course Real Madrid.
Vinicius jr. provides plenty of pace and threat down Real’s left-wing so Azpilicueta could even start at wing-back with James missing out if Tuchel feels his side need extra defensive protection.
Tuchel also announced Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ben Chilwell remain out of action while Ross Barkley is ill and will sit out the second leg clash.
