Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will hope to welcome three defensive names back to the side for Thursday's Premier League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi remain out of contention for the Blues, who will also be working without Mateo Kovacic for at least another couple of weeks.

However, Reece James and Antonio Rudiger may both be fit enough to return from their recent injuries, while Andreas Christensen should recover from stomach cramps in time for Thursday's game.

While Tuchel may be happy to throw Rudiger back into the starting XI, James's fitness record this term means that he may urge more caution over the England international.

As a result, Rudiger could join Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah in the backline, with Cesar Azpilicueta moving to the right as Ruben Loftus-Cheek drops out of the XI.

Kovacic's absence should see Jorginho and N'Golo Kante pair up in the middle again, even with the former missing a weak penalty in the win over West Ham United, while Marcos Alonso's spot on the left is safe.

Mason Mount and Kai Havertz are unlikely to drop out of the side, but Christian Pulisic's late winner off the bench at the weekend could see him force his way into the XI over Timo Werner.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Mendy; Chalobah, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso; Mount, Pulisic; Havertz

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