How Chelsea could line up against Tottenham Hotspur

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel still has a number of concerns to work around for Wednesday's EFL Cup semi-final second leg with Tottenham Hotspur.

The Blues remain without Ben Chilwell, Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah, while Edouard Mendy has now returned a positive coronavirus test while away on international duty.

It remains to be seen if N'Golo Kante and Thiago Silva will be fit to return from their own COVID-19 infections, but Cesar Azpilicueta should shake off cramp in time to start.

The Spaniard could therefore form a familiar backline with Antonio Rudiger and Malang Sarr, as Kepa Arrizabalaga returns in goal for Marcus Bettinelli.

Hakim Ziyech and Marcos Alonso could hold their places in the wide positions, but Saul Niguez's place in the middle is under threat from the returning Jorginho.

Mateo Kovacic's half-time substitution against Chesterfield makes it seem likely that the Croatian will be given the nod over Saul for the second leg, as Mason Mount and Kai Havertz return in the final third.

Romelu Lukaku is still not best friends with the entire Chelsea fanbase, but the Belgian will expect to spearhead the attack at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Sarr; Ziyech, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Mount, Havertz; Lukaku

> Click here to see how Tottenham could line up for this clash