Thomas Tuchel has confirmed the Chelsea team news to face West Ham United in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
Chelsea will be keen to get back to winning ways after falling to a 2-1 defeat at St Mary’s despite Raheem Sterling’s opener.
The Blues host West Ham, with Reece James returning after missing the clash on the south coast on Tuesday.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was taken off at half-time in midweek, is also available for selection while N’Golo Kante remains sidelined, Tuchel confirmed.
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He said: “Both are back in training and available. It’s only N’Golo out. Everybody else is in training.”
However, Chelsea’s deadline day signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Zakaria will not feature after completing moves late in the day.
“A group of 19 players. It will be with Auba and Denis Zaka, will be 21 players plus goalkeepers,” Tuchel continued.
“My latest information is that we need to work on the work permit. He (Zakaria) will not be in the squad for Saturday. That is too close. We hope for Tuesday and then for Fulham.”
Tuchel could hand a debut to Wesley Fofana, who arrived from Leicester City earlier in the week, and the 21-year-old could feature on the right of a back three, available for selection.
Tuchel is expecting a tough and physical match from West Ham, who have only won once in five Premier League games this season.
The German admitted that he watched the Hammers’ 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, praising Chelsea’s opponent.
He said: “Was a good match of football (West Ham vs Spurs). I enjoyed watching it from both teams. West Ham was very strong.
“They are what they are, a very physical team. I have the feeling they are a strong group with a good team spirit, a strong group together with the manager.
“They know what they are. They have periods where they can create huge moments, momentums within minutes. They have periods where they dig in and defend deep with a lot of discipline.
“Always ready to hurt you on counter attacks with speed and physicality. Then a lot of crosses with Soucek arriving in the box for headers with set pieces where they are strong and physical.
“They struggled a little bit getting results and growing into the season. They had also some late signings, which injected a lot of quality and personality. Will be a tough derby.”
It remains to be seen as to who Chelsea will select, with Kante, Aubameyang and Zakaria all unlikely to feature for the Blues.
Topics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Wesley Fofana, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, NGolo Kante, Reece James, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Football, Premier League, West Ham United
Nick Emms