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Football London
Football London
Sport
Oliver Harbord

Chelsea behind the scenes: Christian Pulisic's fitness, Mason Mount and Kurt Zouma's future

With the international break under way, Frank Lampard will be working with those Chelsea players who are still at Cobham.

Maybe of the Blues stars are currently away with the countries, and things have certainly settled down after the transfer window came to a close on Monday.

Chelsea’s next match will be against Southampton next weekend, before their Champions League campaign gets under way against Sevilla.

But what is the latest Blues news?

Untelevised Premier League matches to go PPV

football.london’s Chelsea correspondent Oliver Harbord answers your questions on all things Blues during the break.

Check out all the behind the scenes information right here.

Q: Do you think Pulisic will start next weekend?

OH: Personally, no I don't think he will start. I think Lampard will be cautious with the American over his injury and with such a busy period he might start the Champions League game with Sevilla instead. That is just my opinion, though, and it could depend on how the winger trains this week ahead of the game.

Q: How do you think Frank will set up a fully fit squad?

OH: What we have seen so far is that Lampard is preferring a 4-2-3-1 formation, having started three of the four PL games so far. It gives him the option to get his attacking players in to play. Against the 'bigger' sides, it's more likely we'll see a 4-3-3 formation.

Q: Where does Mount fit into Lampard’s strongest 11? I’m trying to work it out and I can’t. With Havertz in the 10, Ziyech right and Pulisic Left - where does Mount fit?

OH: With all the games this season, there is going to have to be some rotation. Lampard likes Mount on the left to help set the tempo from the top. So it is either going to be in that position in a 4-2-3-1. However, if it is the 4-3-3 then expect him to be on the left of the midfield three. Mount might see less playing time than last season, but he is still a key player for Lampard.

Q: Is there any update on Billy Gilmour? Is there a specified date for his return?

OH: Gilmour is still on course to return next month, which would be about on schedule, as it was a 3/4 month injury. He will be fighting for a place in the senior side once again and Lampard is expecting him to make an impact.

Q: Will Zouma continue to play on the left? Doesn't Lampard care about left-footed centre-back?

A: The partnership of Thiago Silva and Zouma looked good together against Crystal Palace, and it's likely they will partner again for the foreseeable. However, it is something that Lampard will look at, and one of the reasons Chelsea brought in Malang Sarr, a left-footed player. When the Blues think about future transfers, that will certainly be considered.

Q: Will Edouard Mendy be fit to start against Southampton?

It’s unlikely that the Senegal international will be fit to play against Southampton after the injury he picked up on international duty. Chelsea are hoping that the injury is not too bad, with nothing in the thigh expected to be torn. He could be back in time for the Sevilla match.

Q: Are any other Chelsea’s going to leave in the coming weeks?

Victor Moses is expected to be one of the last players to leave soon, with the Nigerian set to head to Spartak Moscow on loan. Danny Drinkwater is also hoping for a loan move, but with high wages that is starting to look more difficult.

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