The Athletic claim that Thomas Tuchel is willing to give his fringe Chelsea players a chance this season.
In his latest column, Johnson wrote that he had heard about Tuchel’s plans to try and include every member of his squad for the upcoming campaign.
Even those who rarely get a look in last year, or the returning loanees who make the final 25-man Premier League roster.
Johnson also stated that Tuchel had told the group in pre-season he is yet to settle upon his strongest line-up.
He wants the deemed ‘regulars’ to keep earning their place, rather than relying on past inclusions.
It also provides a platform for those on the periphery to step up and take their chances when presented.
But who could this benefit most?
From the 2020/21 first team, two that stand out are Emerson Palmieri and Kurt Zouma.
Although Zouma featured heavily under Frank Lampard, he fell out of favour pretty quickly after Tuchel’s arrival.
From January onwards, he started just eight Premier League games.
If the France international felt hard done by, save a thought for Emerson.
The European Championship winner only made 15 appearances across all competitions, including a mere 88 minutes of league action.
Based on Tuchel’s latest mantra, both the defenders have a hope of breaking back into the Chelsea side.
Others this could apply for are Marcos Alonso, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
The likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Danny Drinkwater, Michy Batshuayi, Ross Barkley and Davide Zappacosta amongst others will be praying for similar treatment.
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