Thomas Tuchel says he may make changes to his Chelsea side this evening to ensure the Blues remain "sharp and physical" against Sheffield United.
The contest at Bramall Lane kicks off less than 72 hours after Chelsea recorded an impressive win over Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur and is the Blues' fourth match in just 12 days.
The demanding schedule is part and parcel of the 2020/21 season, one which started late due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the previous campaign.
And given the high-energy pressing that Tuchel demands from his sides, it's little surprise the German coach is considering rotating his side against the Blades.
"We have only two days so maybe we need some changes to be sharp and physical again,’ he told Chelsea's official website.
"We must be able to compete on the highest level against a strong and very physical Sheffield United side, which has won their last games."
There will almost certainly be a change in the Chelsea defence this evening with Thiago Silva expected to miss the game.
The Brazilian injured his thigh in the Blues' win over Spurs and after that game, Tuchel was not hopeful of a quick return for the 36-year-old centre-back.
"It will be very tight for Sunday," Tuchel said on Thursday evening.
"It is only in two days [Sheffield United] but it is hard to give a diagnosis because I saw him only very quickly in the dressing room with a big strap around his muscle.
"We will have to wait until tomorrow so we can confirm it but I think for Sunday he is a big doubt and I don't think that he can play."
If Silva isn't fit as anticipated, Andreas Christensen should come into the heart of the back three. Kurt Zouma, Tuchel's other centre-back option, is a doubt having picked up a knock in training on Wednesday.
N'Golo Kante made his return from a month-long layoff against Tottenham and may be handed a start to improve his match fitness. Hakim Ziyech could also be brought into the starting XI having been rested against Burnley and not featuring in midweek.
There may also be a change in attack with both Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud pushing for a starting role. Both would give Chelsea a more physical edge in the final third than Timo Werner.
A late decision will have to be made over the fitness of Kai Havertz. The German star wasn't included in the match-day squad after suffering an injury in training and will have to be assessed ahead of the contest.
