CHELSEA resume their Champions League defence tomorrow night as they welcome French side Lille to Stamford Bridge.

Thomas Tuchel's men have the League Cup final to prepare for on Sunday, but won't be taking the Ligue 1 champions lightly.

The German would have every right to feel a little discombobulated at the moment, with his side having had to play across different competitions and time zones in recent weeks.

But, after recovering from a bout of Covid, Tuchel will be raring to go as the Blues hunt for more silverware.

The 48-year-old has some big decisions to make as his team juggle different competitions… and with certain stars such as Romelu Lukaku out of form.

The Belgian touched the ball just SEVEN times against Crystal Palace at the weekend, setting a new record for the fewest touches by one player in a Premier League game since Opta records began.

Tuchel may opt to select Kai Havertz up front instead of his struggling No9.

Elsewhere in the side, Kepa Arrizabalaga may have hopes of retaining his League Cup place for Sunday's final – but Edouard Mendy will start between the sticks against Lille.

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Cesar Azpilicueta missed Saturday's 1-0 win with a knock in training, but Tuchel later confirmed to Chelsea TV: "We will push for Azpi [to be back]."

Should the Spaniard miss out, Andreas Christensen could deputise at right-back once again.

Marcos Alonso provided an assist from the bench at Selhurst Park and could slot back in for Malang Sarr – provided that Tuchel uses a back four, as he has favoured recently.

First-choice full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell remain injured.

Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger will likely start at centre-back, although Christensen and Trevoh Chalobah are pushing for more minutes.

Jorginho is most likely to start at the base of midfield, with N'Golo Kante likely to be rested for Sunday's final.

Mateo Kovacic could start alongside the Italian, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek made his return to first-team action at the weekend and will hope to play.

Mason Mount is suffering from a ligament injury, with Tuchel confirming: "We will push for Mason, but Mason will be very early, I don’t think we will make it but we will try and then let’s see."

Hakim Ziyech has been in decent goalscoring form and it's probable that he will keep his spot on the right flank, while Timo Werner could come in for a rare start on the left.

Christian Pulisic may be dropped after his under-par display at the weekend, while Callum Hudson-Odoi is suffering from a knock.

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