Team News: Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Timo Werner start for Chelsea against Real Madrid

Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Timo Werner have been handed surprise starts for Chelsea in Tuesday's Champions League fixture at Real Madrid.

On the back of last week's 3-1 reverse at Stamford Bridge, head coach Thomas Tuchel freshened up his first XI for Saturday's trip to Southampton, a game which the Blues won 6-0.

Instead of making widespread changes from that team, Tuchel has decided to retain Loftus-Cheek and Werner, although it remains unclear whether the former will start the game at right wing-back or in central midfield.

The only alteration sees Reece James replace Andreas Christensen, and there is potential for the England international being named on the right-hand side of a back three.

Werner, on the other hand, could form a front two alongside Kai Havertz, with Mason Mount featuring in behind the German duo.

Despite returning to the squad, Cesar Azpilicueta has to make do with a spot on the substitutes' bench, the Spaniard surprisingly being joined by Christian Pulisic.

Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Nacho, Alaba, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr Subs: Lunin, Toni Fuidias, Asensio, Marcelo, Jovic, Lucas, Bale, Ceballos, Rodrygo, Mariano, Camavinga, Rafa Martin

Chelsea: Mendy; James, Rudiger, Silva; Loftus-Cheek, Kante, Kovacic, Alonso; Mount; Werner, Havertz Subs: Arrizabalaga, Bettinelli, Christensen, Jorginho, Pulisic, Chalobah, Saul, Ziyech, Azpilicueta, Sarr, Vale