Team News: Thiago Silva, Kai Havertz return to Chelsea XI, no Romelu Lukaku

Thiago Silva and Kai Havertz have both returned to the Chelsea XI for Sunday's Premier League fixture against Liverpool, but Romelu Lukaku, as expected, has been left out.

Earlier on Sunday, it was claimed that Thomas Tuchel would omit the Belgian from his matchday squad as a result of comments made about his future on Thursday night.

However, while the summer arrival does not feature, Tuchel calls upon Havertz for the first time since December 11 after another bout of coronavirus.

Silva is back in defence after a hamstring injury, while Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso get the nod in the wing-back positions with Christian Pulisic being required further up the pitch.

Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante line up in midfield, with Jorginho dropping down to the substitutes' bench, where he is joined by Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Academy players Lewis Hall and Harvey Vale are also selected among the replacements.

Chelsea: Mendy; Chalobah, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kante, Kovacic, Alonso; Mount, Havertz, Pulisic Subs: Arrizabalaga, Sarr, Hall, Jorginho, Saul, Barkley, Hudson-Odoi, Vale, Ziyech

You can view Liverpool's starting XI for the fixture at Stamford Bridge by clicking here.