Tuchel previews Chelsea's Premier League clash with Wolves
Chelsea face a tough trip to Wolves today (Sunday) as they look to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City. The Blues have dropped to third in the table and are four points adrift of the Citizens after winning just three of their last seven games.
Thomas Tuchel has been hit with a COVID-19 crisis and a string of his first-team stars were unavailable for his team’s clash with Everton in midweek.
Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw on that occasion and Tuchel knows he can’t afford to slip up anymore if his team are to retain their hopes of winning a first title for five years.
The German will have his hands somewhat tied for Sunday’s game and it could be a case of selecting the players who are fit and ready to play.
And Express Sport takes a look at the starting XI Tuchel could name in the Black Country.
Goalkeeper – Mendy
Edouard Mendy has so far swerved the dreaded coronavirus so will line up between the posts at Molineux.
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Thiago Silva, meanwhile, could drop to the bench after playing the full 90 minutes against Everton.
At 37 years old, the defender is unlikely to play two matches in four days and could be replaced by Trevoh Chalobah.
Midfield - James, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Alonso
Reece James and Marcos Alonso should retain their places and provide their side with the width against Wolves. James grabbed his fifth assist of the season in midweek.
Tuchel could name Ruben Loftus-Cheek alongside Jorginho in midfield once again as the Blues look to dictate play in Wolverhampton.
N’Golo Kante has returned to training following a lengthy absence and could be named on the bench.
Chelsea attacker Mason Mount has scored in each of his last four Premier League matches (Image: GETTY)
Forwards – Ziyech, Mount, Pulisic
Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi all missed the game against Everton after testing positive for coronavirus.
The trio will all be missing for this one, with Tuchel likely to keep faith in his forward line from Thursday.
Christian Pulisic could therefore lead the line, with Hakim Ziyech and Mason Mount flanking the USA international.
Mount has been in scintillating form of late and has scored in each of his previous four Premier League games.