Three ways Chelsea can cope with Mason Mount’s absence

3. Formation change

If Chelsea’s managerial staff finds dual sixes would not work or it thinks Havertz is not yet ready to take on that role, there is still another option. It’s likely seen as a last-ditch effort of sorts because it’s the most drastic change on this list. It’s an effective way to cover for Mount if he does find himself missing a few matches nonetheless. This is unlikely due to the fact the Blues just changed to the 4-1-4-1 formation, but given how crucial the Englishman is to the new shape, it is a possibility that we see Chelsea switch things up for the duration of Mount’s absence.

Tuchel is known as a tactical mastermind. Although he probably isn’t going to be on the touchline for the next match, he still pulls all the strings. One would expect Michels to take on the roll of manager for the Blues again versus Al Hilal as he showed the world on Saturday that he can handle the bright lights with poise. He helped direct the team through numerous changes in-game against Plymouth, so there’s no limit to what he can do with Tuchel assisting virtually in training.

The formation that makes the most sense for Chelsea without Mount would be the 3-5-2. It’s difficult to imagine the Blues wanting to revert back to a three-man defense with James still sidelined, but it’s practical for a game or two. A strike partnership of Lukaku and either Havertz or Timo Werner would bring out the best in each No. 9. This could help get some of the team’s biggest threats firing in the absence of its best player. Furthermore, it requires two less attacking bodies, which means Chelsea reintroduces the defensive solidity that got it to the Club World Cup in the first place. Tuchel has hinted at his itch to play with two strikers in the past, now he has the healthy personnel required to do so. It’s something worth considering while Mount nurses what we hope to be a minor knock.

If the Blues want to get really funky, a 4-4-2 diamond is also on the cards in Mount’s absence. There is more consistency in this formation as it keeps the four-at-the-back that Chelsea has used in its last few matches. Furthermore, it allows Jorginho’s role to remain unchanged while adding an extra central midfielder parallel to Kovacic. This—much like the aforementioned 3-5-2—could see the Blues experiment with two strikers. It allows Ziyech to continue to pull the strings, as he notably did from the same spot against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League. This formational swap would make for a less awkward introduction in midfield as whoever takes Mount’s place would be allowed to sit deeper, as opposed to playing in an attacking role higher up the pitch.

While none of these options are ideal, they show that the Blues do have back-up plans if Mount is indeed out for the near future. The depth within their ranks is astonishing, so much so that there is no reason to rush the English phenom back from injury. Chelsea has gotten out of the roughest part of its schedule and injuries are no longer viewed as the end of the world. Fingers crossed the Blues’ academy graduate is fit enough to take on Al Hilal though as they begin their journey toward a second trophy of the campaign.

How do you think the Blues will cope? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!