Chelsea has handed several academy players chances to shine against Brentford in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
The Blues’ squad has been hit hard by an outbreak of Covid-19, while injuries are impacting them too.
Chelsea were able to name just four outfield players on the bench against Wolves on Sunday. Trevoh Chalobah, who went off with an injury against Wolves, is a doubt, while Andreas Christensen is sidelined too.
Lewis Baker was due to be included in the squad but he has now tested positive for Covid-19.
Other academy players, such as Xavier Simons start though, along with 17-year-old Jude Soonsup-Bell and fellow teenager Harvey Vale.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso add some experience to the side, while Saul Niguez will be looking for a much-improved showing in midfield.
On Kante, Tuchel said: “What we did with N’Golo Kante for 90 minutes [against Wolves] was close to irresponsible.
“Will he be involved against Brentford? Simply no. We cannot do this and I will not do it. ‘We will now give him time to recover and prepare for Aston Villa and this is the situation.’
Chelsea XI: Arrizabalaga, Simons, Chalobah, Sarr, Azpilicueta, Kovacic, Saul, Alonso, Barkley, Soonsup-Bell, Vale.
Subs: Bettinelli, James, Rudiger, Hall, Jorginho, Kante, Webster, Mount, Pulisic.
