N’Golo Kante is a confirmed starter for Chelsea in today’s FA Cup final, but Mateo Kovacic misses the Wembley showdown with Leicester.
Thomas Tuchel revealed Kante would be restored to the heart of midfield after being rested against Arsenal midweek to manage and Achilles problem.
That backfired, with Chelsea suffering a 1-0 defeat that has put their top four hopes in jeopardy.
But Tuchel believes Kante will be vital for the double-header against Leicester – first in the Cup final and then in Tuesday’s crucial Premier League match, which could have a major say Champions League-qualification.
Kovacic was expected to be back for the first time in over a month after suffering a hamstring strain, but is not included - with Tammy Abraham also left out of the squad.
In attack, Timo Werner leads the line with Hakim Ziyech and Mason Mount in support, while Kai Havertz’s poor finishing against Arsenal sees him among the substitutes.
Chelsea XI: Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, James, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso, Ziyech, Mount, Werner
Subs: Pulisic, Zouma, Mendy, Giroud, Hudson-Odoi, Chilwell, Gilmour, Havertz, Emerson Palmieri
