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Football London
Football London
Sport
Joe Doyle

'Ziyech, Werner and Pulisic start, finally!' - Chelsea fans react as Mason Mount benched

Chelsea are back in action in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon against West Brom, their first game in two weeks following the international break.

It's all systems go as the run-in towards the end of the season begins, and with a Champions League quarter-final against Porto coming up in the week, Thomas Tuchel has made some big decisions for his side.

Thiago Silva comes straight back into the starting XI following an extended injury break, with Andreas Christensen dropping out of the line up. Cesar Azpilicueta and Kurt Zouma join him in a defensive three, hoping to continue their fine run of form.

Edouard Mendy returns in goal after having dental surgery over the break with Kepa Arrizabalaga back on the bench, while Marcos Alonso starts at wing-back ahead of Ben Chilwell with Reece James on the right.

Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic continue in midfield with N'Golo Kante not yet ready to return to action, while Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech are supporting Timo Werner in attack.

That leaves no room for Mason Mount, who is on the bench ahead of the big clash in midweek after playing a key part in England's squads over the international break.

It's a big decision from Tuchel, and Chelsea fans are having their say on his choice.

There is strength in depth on the bench alongside Mount, with Kai Havertz, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Olivier Giroud all offering options in attack.

Antonio Rudiger, Christensen and Ben Chilwell offer the defensive cover for Tuchel, while Billy Gilmour is the lone central midfielder.

Tuchel confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Kante is the only player currently missing through injury.

"Everybody was in training today, we had a fantastic training session, high quality, good atmosphere," Tuchel said ahead of the game. "Except for N'Golo Kante, who did individual work. But everyone else was out on the pitch and is in contention for tomorrow, which is good news."

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