How Chelsea are expected to line up against Aston Villa
raham Potter will be without Reece James for Chelsea’s trip to Aston Villa on Sunday as the club await news confirming the extent of his injury.
The 22-year-old went off with a knee injury in Milan and will now be assessed by a specialist amid fears he could be out for several weeks and require surgery.
James could even miss out on selection for England’s upcoming World Cup campaign in Qatar, with N’Golo Kante also likely to miss the France tournament.
In addition, Wesley Fofana has been ruled out until after the World Cup, leaving Chelsea without three key players.
Without James on Sunday, the Blues are likely to move to a back four and look for attacking impetus elsewhere on the pitch.
Chelsea were already used to managing without Kante and Fofana ahead of a busy Premier League period – with Brentford and Manchester United coming up next week.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is likely to continue in goal, with Kalidou Koulibaly increasingly making his way into the team in recent weeks.
Trevoh Chalobah could make way for Cesar Azpilicueta to help him move into the back four.
Kai Havertz could come in for James in a workaround for Chelsea’s attacking needs after a formation adjustment.
Chelsea XI Prediction: Cap; Azpilicueta, Coulibaly, Silva, Cucurella; Mount, Jorginho, Kovacic; Havertz, Aubameyang, Sterling.