Cesar Azpilicueta is handed a start while midfield man N’Golo Kante returns to the squad to feature amongst the substitutes for Chelsea as they take on Everton.
Kante’s return to full training earlier this week had been subject to much anticipation with the France international a long-term injury concern at the Bridge.
Christensen pipped by Silva to starting role
Thomas Tuchel has one Chelsea contract rebel Andreas Christensen on the bench while the other Antonio Rudiger retaining his starting berth on the team sheet for today.
Joining Rudiger in the three-man backline for the Blues are the skipper Cesar Azpilicueta and the veteran Brazil international Thiago Silva.
No Werner or Lukaku up front for the home side
Tuchel has Jorginho partnered by Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the heart of the midfield with Reece James and Marcos Alonso slotting into the wing-back roles.
In the final third, there is no natural striker for the hosts with both Timo Werner and summer recruit Romelu Lukaku kept out of the matchday squad.
Here is how both teams line up for today’s Premier League fixture:
Chelsea FC XI
Your Chelsea team news! 🔵@ParimatchGlobal | #CheEve
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 16, 2021
Everton FC XI
Tonight's Toffees for #CHEEVE! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/J6hO7R6I1q
— Everton (@Everton) December 16, 2021
