Chelsea has arrived in Seville for their second leg against Porto. The Blues will be boosted having a fully fit squad of 23. Of course, the normal asterisks about fitness will apply.
The main concern fitness wise will be around Andreas Christensen. He missed out against Crystal Palace because of an injury (on his birthday nonetheless). Him being able to travel is a good sign that he’s at least fit if needed, but Thomas Tuchel may be unwilling to risk the Dane given his rising importance to the squad.
In his place could be either Kurt Zouma or Thiago Silva. Zouma played as the centerback against Crystal Palace and mostly held up. He still seems somewhat awkward in a back three, but he got the job done and even showed he continues to be the set piece threat Chelsea really has. Silva, meanwhile, was suspended against Palace and is coming off a pretty lengthy rest now after not starting in the first leg. That could be a sign of taking his recovery slowly, but it could also be a sign that the tactics shifted in his absence to do without. If he doesn’t start yet again, it will certainly be a talking point with the rumored extension still unsigned.
Another, albeit smaller, point of concern will be N’Golo Kante. Tuchel mentioned that Kante was expected to be back for Crystal Palace but was able to be fit enough sooner. Even still, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho have both played a ton just since returning from break. Tuchel said he wouldn’t risk Kante which is smart given how shallow he uses the center mid pool, but at the same time Jorginho and Kovacic are bound to be gassed.
Another question mark will be what to do with the front three and the wingbacks. Those five players will form the attacking band for Chelsea and against Crystal Palace, a combination of five finally and truly clicked. Tuchel may be concerned about breaking their rhythm by rotating, but at the same time, some rotation is mandatory given the slate of games previous and coming.
Christian Pulisic was finally back to his best against Crystal Palace but he may be seen as too much of a risk to play in back to back games right now. Callum Hudson-Odoi may start, but his right wingback spot will likely go to the more defensive Reece James. On the opposite flank, Marcos Alonso may line up for the same reason. Mason Mount is all but guaranteed to start given his importance to the squad which leaves the “striker” role up for grabs among several players.
One interesting inclusion to keep an eye on will be Timo Werner. It shouldn’t be lost that the best Chelsea attacking display came without him on the pitch. At the same time, with Porto having to go for it, a now fresh Werner might be exactly who is needed to cause panic in the backline.
Regardless, Chelsea has to go and get the job done with whoever plays. That will set the Blues up for a blockbuster end of the season and something to build on for years to come.