Chelsea have dropped a big selection hint ahead of Thursday’s clash with Manchester United as Christian Pulisic aims to land a place in the starting line-up.
United host Chelsea this week as they look to cling on to their fading Champions League hopes. The Reds’ chances of finishing in the top four this season are all-but over after their defeat to Arsenal on Saturday left them six points off the pace, with the Gunners still holding a game in hand.
Ralf Rangnick’s side are aiming to avoid a third defeat in a row, and a fourth in their last five games. They come up against a Chelsea side though on a high after their last-minute win over West Ham on Sunday.
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The Blues had Pulisic to thank for their three points, with the United States international striking after Jorginho had missed a penalty just minutes earlier. The former Borussia Dortmund forward has found himself down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge this season, with most of his chances coming from the bench.
He could be in line for a start after his weekend heroics though, especially if Chelsea’s social media output is anything to go by. Pulisic was used for a graphic posted by the club on Twitter, alongside the caption: “Onto Manchester!”
While Pulisic could be in line for a start, Thomas Tuchel faces a few more selection issues elsewhere. Among them is Reece James, with the full-back missing Sunday’s win over West Ham due to a recurring injury problem.
The Chelsea boss will have to make a decision on his fitness, as he will with Andreas Christensen as well, with the Denmark international struggling with stomach cramps at the weekend. Mateo Kovacic, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ben Chilwell are all expected to miss out again.
Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger could be in line to make his return, with United fans no doubt keen to take a close look at him in action. Tuchel confirmed on Sunday the defender has decided to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer as his contract expires.
United have been linked with his services, with defence likely to be an area the Reds try to strengthen in the transfer window. Having missed the win over West Ham, Tuchel revealed Rudiger was set to make a return to training in time for the trip to Old Trafford.
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