How Chelsea could line up against Aston Villa

Chelsea square off against Aston Villa on Boxing Day with Thomas Tuchel potentially being able to name a full substitutes' bench.

That was not the case last weekend with just four outfield players being named in reserve for the goalless draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, Jorginho's coronavirus tests have proved inconclusive, allowing him to appear against Brentford in the EFL Cup, while Callum Hudson-Odoi and Romelu Lukaku are close to meeting government coronavirus guidelines with regards to coming out of isolation.

The latter pair will likely feature among the replacements at best, but Jorginho will start this fixture potentially alongside Mateo Kovacic.

With Hakim Ziyech having picked up a knock to his calf last weekend, N'Golo Kante could be used in a more advanced role alongside Mason Mount, with Christian Pulisic leading the line once again.

Despite being regarded as a considerable injury doubt in midweek, Trevoh Chalobah came through 90 minutes and that should lead to him lining up on the right-hand side of a back three.

Timo Werner is another possible returnee for this weekend, but the current assumption is that the German is yet to record one of the two negative coronavirus tests required.

The same applies to Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kai Havertz, who tested positive a day or two later, while Andreas Christensen appears likely to remain sidelined with a back problem.

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