Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has welcomed Antonio Rudiger back into the starting XI against Lille, while Jorginho and Emerson Palmieri also start.
Chelsea have made three changes to the side that started in the 3-1 defeat to Everton this past weekend. The big news is that Antonio Rudiger is fit again and starts against Lille, after missing almost the entirety of the season so far with injury problems. The German international replaces Andreas Christensen as Kurt Zouma’s defensive partner for the game.
Three changes, including the return of @ToniRuediger! ?#CHELOSC pic.twitter.com/cJqKUo0r9E
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 10, 2019
The second change also comes in defence as Frank Lampard has decided to leave academy graduate Reece James out of the starting lineup for the crunch clash against Lille. In his stead, Emerson Palmieri returns to the side, slotting in at left-back as captain Cesar Azpilicueta moves back to his natural right-back position. Kepa Arrizabalaga lines up in the Chelsea goal again.
Jorginho also makes a return to the lineup after being benched in the last two league clashes. The Italian replaces Mason Mount in the side, with N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic holding on to their spots in the middle. Willian, Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic form the attacking trident for the hosts against Lille.
Chelsea Confirmed XI: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Rudiger, Emerson; Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic; Willian, Abraham, Pulisic
