Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has ruled three players out of Wednesday’s Premier League game against Watford, with three more players doubtful for the trip.
The Blues continue to face injury and fitness problems as the matches keep coming thick and fast.
They will still be without the three players who were absent in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United; Mateo Kovacic (hamstring), N’Golo Kante (knee), and Ben Chilwell (ACL), for the midweek’s trip to Watford.
However, Tuchel also added that in addition to those three, Chelsea could be without three other key players.
“[Those who are] for sure out are Chilly, Kova, and N’Golo,” the German said during the press conference on Tuesday.
“We have some doubts, maybe [they] need more time and examinations in Reece James, Jorginho, and Timo Werner.
“They all trained with us today, but there will be some last-minute decisions about these three.”
James and Jorginho’s potential absences, in particular, could pose some problems.
Cesar Azpilicueta, or one of either Callum Hudson-Odoi or Christian Pulisic, might be able to fill the right wing-back spot.
But as we saw in during the Manchester United game, James seems to be a backup option for the left wing-back role as well.
Meanwhile, if Jorginho is out, Tuchel will have to come up with a plan without his main three midfield options.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Saul Niguez, and perhaps Mason Mount will be the obvious options for the central midfield roles.