How Chelsea could line up against Tottenham Hotspur

Chelsea will again be without the services of five first-team players for Sunday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.

Trevor Chalobah and Reece James have both returned to training following recent injuries, but neither player will be considered for selection against Antonio Conte's side.

Ben Chilwell is out for the remainder of the season following knee surgery, while Andreas Christensen has not yet recovered from COVID-19 and Edouard Mendy remains on international duty.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel has a number of big decisions to make when it comes to his team selection, and there is a chance that a return to a back three could open the door for Malang Sarr to feature, which was the case against Manchester City last weekend.

Timo Werner and Mateo Kovacic, who were substitutes against Brighton, could also be in line for starting roles this weekend, while Tuchel has a number of options in the final third of the field.

Romelu Lukaku is again expected to lead the line for the hosts, so Hakim Ziyech, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kai Havertz might have to accept spots among the substitutes.

Kovacic's involvement could drop Jorginho down to the bench, although there is also a chance that Tuchel could select a four-man defence, which was the case against Spurs in the EFL Cup.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Kepa; Sarr, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kante, Kovacic, Alonso; Mount, Lukaku, Werner

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