Thomas Tuchel should consider resting some Chelsea players against West Brom, with a crucial game against Porto just around the corner.
Chelsea are back in Premier League action on Saturday when they take on West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge. It is a game they are expected to win comfortably.
Prior to the international break, the Blues were among the most in-form sides in the League and they’ll be looking to extend that run as we enter the final two months of the season.
With West Brom recording only three wins all season, Thomas Tuchel is expected to extend his unbeaten run as Chelsea boss to 15 games against the Baggies.
However, the Blues have a big week coming up as they also travel to Seville to take on Porto in the first leg of their Champions League quarter final next Wednesday. Chelsea have a real chance to advance against the Portuguese side but they shouldn’t be under-estimated regardless.
With that in mind, it would make sense for Tuchel to rest some key players ahead of the crucial game against Porto next Wednesday. There are three players we feel should be given a rest ahead of the trip to Seville.
N’Golo Kante
The French midfielder may well be ruled out of the game against West Brom anyway having returned early from international duty with France having sustained a hamstring injury. Tuchel will give an update on Kante’s fitness later this week.
Even if he is fit to play on Saturday though, the influential midfielder should be given the afternoon off from Premier League action to try and keep him fresh for Porto.
The Blues will have all their fingers crossed that his injury he picked up with the French team is not too serious and that he is back for the first leg in Seville next week.
Mason Mount
There was some concern over the Chelsea midfielder when the England camp reported Mount was training indoors and away from the main group ahead of the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifier against Poland on Wednesday evening.
But, England boss Gareth Southgate confirmed Mount “should be fine” for the game, if he is selected. Mount has played in both England games during the break so far and could still make the XI for Poland.
Having played three games in a week for his country, and with his importance to Chelsea’s team, it might be wise for Tuchel to give Mount a rest on Saturday for West Brom to keep him in condition for Porto.
Antonio Rudiger
If the defender lines up for Germany in their World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia on Wednesday then he will have started all three games for Joachim Low’s side during the international break.
The Blues have Thiago Silva back in training ahead of the West Bromwich Albion game and a far fresher Kurt Zouma set to return from France duty as well.
Rudiger has been a key cog in Tuchel’s outstanding defence since he arrived at the club.
Taking the German’s impressive performances against Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League, he could be another player held back to face Porto next week.
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