Reece James is back on the teamsheet for Chelsea as the defending Champions of Europe play hosts to Russian outfit Zenit at Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel and Co. will be hoping to kick off their title-defence campaign with a win over the visitors to the Bridge in the midweek contest.
Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta earn recalls
James had been suspended for the recent outing against Aston Villa but the England international returns to his usual right wing-back role this time around.
Also earning recalls back into the XI is the skipper Cesar Azpilicueta and Andres Christensen both of whom slot in at centre-back at the expense of Thiago Silva and Trevor Chalobah.
Kante still an injury concern for Thomas Tuchel
Mateo Kovacic continues to be drafted in the midfield role for Chelsea with Jorginho replacing new recruit Saul Niguez in the starting XI.
France international N’Golo Kante is still absent for the Champions League fixture but the Chelsea boss Tuchel has the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley to call upon from the bench.
Here is how both teams line up for today’s Champions League fixture:
Chelsea FC XI
The #UCL team news is in! 🔵#CHEZEN | @ParimatchGlobal pic.twitter.com/9owSc1Np5i
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 14, 2021
Zenit FC XI
Your Zenit Starting XI for tonight!
Barrios starts and a first Champions League appearance for Claudinho! 🤩💙#CHEZEN | #UCL pic.twitter.com/1bM6hww0yn
— FC Zenit in English✨ (@fczenit_en) September 14, 2021
