Chelsea travel to the Sinobo Stadium to take on Slavia Prague in the Europa League in what will be the first ever competitive match between both the sides.
The Blues have by far been the best side in the Europa League this campaign and everyone expects them to pick up an easy win on Thursday. But given the Blues will play Liverpool just three days later, Sarri is expected to make a number of changes to his first XI which could help Slavia find some gaps in the Chelsea side.
Chelsea news vs Slavia: Injuries and team insights
Injuries:
1.. Marcos Alonso picked up a hamstring injury a couple of weeks ago and initially the player was expected to make a comeback within a couple of days. But since then the full-back has missed two games.
Emerson has been filling the role at left-back but Alonso is expected to be fit to start on Thursday.
2. Ethan Ampadu had been starting in the Europa League for Chelsea during the first couple of games but right now the player is out with a back injury and is not expected to make a comeback vs Slavia.
Team news:
1.. David Luiz should be rested before the Liverpool clash meaning Christensen will get to start in central defence alongside Rudiger.
2. Zappacosta will replace Azpilicueta at right-back.
3. Jorginho put in a superb shift in midfield vs West Ham on Monday but the former Napoli man will surely be dropped to the bench before such a crunch game vs Jurgen Klopp’s men.
4. The commission of Jorginho means Kovacic should get to start in central midfield alongside N’Golo Kante.
5. Ross Barkley replaced Loftus-Cheek in the second half of Chelsea’s 2-0 win over West Ham but the England international is expected to start vs Slavia.
6. Eden Hazard and Callum Hudson-Odoi both got to start vs the Hammers but the duo of Pedro and Willian will most certainly replace them on Thursday.
7. Higuain will be preserved for the Liverpool clash meaning Frenchman Olivier Giroud will get to start up front.
