N’Golo Kante is back in the Chelsea squad for this afternoon’s trip to Tottenham but Thomas Tuchel has resisted the temptation to throw him straight into the starting XI.
The French midfielder has not played since injuring his ankle against Liverpool last month. But his manager has confirmed he has been cleared to start on Sunday after coming through training this week.
“N’Golo is back in full shape and is ready to play,” said the Chelsea manager.
Christian Pulisic is continuing an individual training programme after suffering an ankle injury of his own during the international break and will not be ready for Spurs. Otherwise Chelsea have no fresh injury concerns
Tuchel added: “It’s a tough opponent, a London derby, we had a great result last season and we will try everything to repeat that.
“But no matter who plays, some players also came back, and they will do everything to have their players back on the pitch.
“So we expect a tough side, a big crowd, and a great match to play.”
Chelsea starting XI (3-4-2-1): Kepa, Christensen, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso, Mount, Havertz, Lukaku.
Sunday 4:30pm BST
Venue Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Referee Paul Tierney
Chelsea squad from Arrizabalaga, Bettinelli, Thiago Silva, Chilwell, Sarr, Chalobah, Saúl, Kovacic, Hudson-Odoi, Loftus-Cheek, Barkley, Werner, Ziyech, Mendy Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, James, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso, Mount, Havertz, Lukaku.
Injured Pulisic (ankle, 23 Sep)
Suspended None
