Ruben Loftus-Cheek is though closing in on a return to first-team action after playing an hour of the development squad’s game against Brentford B during the week.
Fans will be hoping that it is not too much longer until he makes his return for Frank Lampard, having backed the midfielder to get back into the starting XI upon his return from injury. The 24-year-old has been named in the Blues’ strongest XI voted by Chelsea fans on Chelsea247, lining up in a midfield three with N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic.
Loftus-Cheek’s timely return to action could prove to be a massive boost for the Blues as they look to hang onto a fourth place position
Meanwhile, at the back they want to see Fikayo Tomori and Antonio Rudiger playing in the heart of defence, with Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta either side of them.
Up front, however, Blues supporters would prefer to see Christian Pulisic on the wing, with Callum Hudson-Odoi dropped to the bench. Willian and Tammy Abraham also take the other spots up as well. While Kepa Arrizabalaga was dropped for the Leicester City clash, Blues fans would also want to see him back in the starting XI.
The Blues have some massive matches coming up, with Manchester United and Spurs next in the Premier League, Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Liverpool in the FA Cup.
Chelsea fans strongest XI: Arrizabalaga; James, Rudiger, Tomori, Azpilicueta; Loftus-Cheek, Kovacic, Kante; Willian, Pulisic, Abraham.