Despite the frustrations that followed Chelsea's 3-3 draw with Zenit on Wednesday night, there was one ray of hope for supporters: no one had been injured. That, though, was ripped away.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek was expected to play the final 30 minutes of the game, according to Thomas Tuchel. So it was a little strange that he was an unused replacement against Russia, though it's acceptable given the absence of N'Golo Kante, Jorginho, and Mateo Kovacic. However, when Chelsea's head coach spoke to the club's in-house media about the game, he gave an explanation. It was a bad tidbit of information. "Unfortunately, we've been without N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic for several weeks, and now we're without Jorginho," Tuchel explained. "After the warm-up [against Zeint], Ruben Loftus-Cheek was out."The nature of Loftus-injury Cheek's was not disclosed by Tuchel. When he speaks to the press this afternoon ahead of Leeds United's visit, he very likely will. However, with less than 48 hours to prepare for the match after returning from Russia at 4 a.m. on Thursday morning, even minor injuries could be a problem. Chelsea could be without four central midfielders for tomorrow's encounter at Stamford Bridge, according to the bizarre reality. Few could have predicted the injury situation, which has been aggravated by Saul Niguez's performances, which have resulted in half-time substitutes in his past two Premier League appearances. The Spaniard is unlikely to start in midfield against Leeds, as Tuchel has often stated that the 27-year-old has struggled to handle with relentless press, which is Leeds' style. So, as he did in midweek, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will have to be inventive in how he sets up his midfield for Marcelo Bielsa's Whites, who are also plagued by injury problems. Here, we'll look at three possible choices for Tuchel. However, each one comes with its own set of hazards. Mason Mount has only been dropped back into midfield on a few occasions during Tuchel's Chelsea tenure. However, it's important recalling that he mostly played as an eight at the academy and was utilised in that position under Frank Lampard last season. Chelsea will need a strong performance from their current Player of the Year both in and out of possession against Leeds. Ross Barkley shown against Zenit that he is not suited to playing in the centre, but he can be effective as a box-to-box eight, especially when there is protection behind him. Andreas Christensen can help with that. Tuchel has used the Dane solely as a centre-back, although he showed during Euro 2020 with Denmark that he can also play in midfield.
Christensen wouldn't have the mobility of a Kante or Kovacic, the passing range of Jorginho, or the dribbling ability of Loftus-Cheek, but he could keep Chelsea from being overrun and space in the centre of the pitch from being repeatedly opened up, as it did against Zenit. Reece James would also be able to play at wing-back, something Chelsea desperately needs to create overloads down the right flank. However, James has plenty of midfield experience, having played against Zenit in midweek. It wasn't an easy evening for the academy graduate, who was celebrating his 22nd birthday, with Barkley not providing much protection alongside him. James, on the other hand, would have less territory to cover as part of a midfield three and could try to assist Chelsea command possession. Unlike Christensen, he has a wide passing range and can get away from a defender's press. He would be missed at right wing-back for the Blues, but Callum Hudson-Odoi might be utilised in his place. Christian Pulisic, who played at wing-back when the two teams met in March at Elland Road, might be a factor. This is, without a doubt, improbable. During Tuchel's time at Chelsea, he has rarely thrown caution to the wind. Everything has been about maintaining control and ensuring that Chelsea is in a position to dominate games. Leeds, on the other hand, almost never allow their opponents to do so; instead, they go man to man throughout the pitch, challenging individuals to win their individual fights. As a result, having players who are technically skilled in tight places on the field could be really beneficial. Mount is capable of defeating a foe. Hudson-Odoi, as well. We've already talked about James.
Tuchel has experimented with Hakim Ziyech as an eight in the last three games, and while he would reduce Chelsea's defensive stability, he may provide the magic needed to send the ball into Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku in dangerous places.
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