Chelsea target Cesar Azpilicueta starts league opener for Marseille

Chelsea target Cesar Azpilicueta has been picked to start in Marseille's opening game of the Ligue 1 season.

The Spanish under-21 international was chosen to play for Marseille away to newly-promoted Reims on Sunday night.

Azplicueta has been consistently linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer as the club look to strengthen in a problematic right-back position.

First choice right-back Branislav Ivanovic is likely to be banned for the start of the Blues' Premier League campaign after being sent off in Sunday's Community Shield defeat to Manchester City.

Roberto Di Matteo will aim to strengthen ahead of next week's opening match against Wigan Athletic, with just Paulo Ferreira available as a recognised right-back.