Chelsea commence the defense of their Champions League title in about 36 hours when they welcome Zenit St. Petersburg into Stamford Bridge for group stage action. In fact this will likely be their easiest group stage game, at least on paper.
So it’s the perfect way to ease into European action, and it’s also the first competitive meeting between the two sides, ever. Let’s take a look at who Blues boss Thomas Tuchel will and won’t have at his disposal for this one.
Captain America, winger Christian Pulisic remains out due to the ankle injury he sustained against Honduras in World Cup qualifying. But he’s expected to not be out too much further beyond this match. Meanwhile midfielder supreme N’Golo Kante is a doubt to an ankle problem as well.
The Frenchman has not played since the Liverpool match.
Sticking to the midfield, Jorginho is expected to return to the starting lineup, having begun on the bench in the win over Aston Villa.
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