Important Chelsea defensive duo Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are not available to compete against Liverpool this coming weekend. The left back and the centre back may perhaps be sorely missed in the Blues defence. So why won't they feature versus Arne Slot's Reds? And which back up CFC stars will come into Enzo Maresca's starting side to take their respective places with absences explained?
Meanwhile former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is apparently aiming his sights on signing a current Chels' player. The now-Napoli boss is said to be a 'huge fan' of the Blues man even though the two were not together at Stamford Bridge, their eras didn't cross over. Nevertheless, the Italian is considering a new year approach for the exiled England international. Chilwell obviously lost his way and his place in the team, or even the squad at large, under contemporary gaffer Enzo Maresca.
Ben Chilwell needs a transfer away from Chelsea - and fast
Even though Maresca has been without a left-sided defender, or a seemingly sufficient understudy in that capacity on occasion, the former Leicester City head coach doesn't select Chilwell. Another ex-Fox himself, the latter is not wanted by his boss in spite of what either say to the media or in public.
The Pride of London essentially arrive at that verdict due to this 'bomb squad' business. I know Chilwell was somewhat allowed back into the Blues fold after Maresca initially, and justifiably, separated his unusual and unhelpfully packed roster. But, clearly, the one-time Three Lions starter isn't in the plans.
I have not been Chilwell's biggest supporter over the years. I don't think he is really of the standard to be in the England setup either. Although he is a gifted footballer, the Milton Keynes-born professional lacks toughness, grit and consistency.
Nevertheless, Chilwell would be a more than capable second choice fullback to Cucurella at the Bridge. But, alas, it seems as though the 27-year-old is set to depart Fulham Road in the not too distant future:
"Ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is a big fan of the defender and could look to bring him to Napoli"Daily Mail
Why Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana won't play versus Liverpool on Sunday
The Spaniard and the Frenchman have become undroppable under Maresca - and rightly so. Both are very skilled and confident ballers in my humble opinion.
I always had a feeling that Cucu' would surpass and supplant Chilwell at Chelsea. And having covered Leicester for years - I am fully conscious of Fofana's advanced talent at the back. But why are they respectively out of the Anfield clash?
"The accumulation of five yellow cards for defenders Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana rules them out of the match at Liverpool on Sunday.Nizaar Kinsella, BBC
Veiga is likely to get his second league start at Anfield, having been deployed in midfield at Bournemouth last month.
Fofana will also be difficult to replace as he brings physicality, speed and quality on the ball at centre-back. A similar profile is Tosin Adarabioyo, who stepped in at West Ham last month when Chelsea were left without right-backs as Malo Gusto was briefly injured, joining captain Reece James on the sidelines. There are also options to use Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi."