Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is back fit to face Liverpool, who are favourites to sign him in the summer.
The 24-year-old midfielder will want to prove a point at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, not just to Liverpool but also Chelsea as his career hits its first major crossroads.
Mount is pushing to play at least 60 minutes under interim head coach Bruno Saltor after overcoming a nagging bruised pelvis.
Graham Potter left him on the bench in three of the last four matches, preferring Joao Felix instead. That fringe status for Mount would have been unthinkable under previous managers but this is a different Chelsea.
Mount will hope for a revival under Bruno but it seems unlikely. Bruno is a coach in Potter’s image and negotiations over a new contract remain stunted.
Mount has 16 months left on his deal after negotiations led by Todd Boehly failed to reach a positive conclusion.
Tony Mount, his father, is his primary agent but they have enlisted the support of ROOF agent Neil Fewings - who represents Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and vice-captain Virgil van Dijk.
Naturally that connection makes you think Mount is Anfield-bound, but those close to the situation insist nothing is decided.
He remains open to renewing his contract at Chelsea. He also has Thomas Tuchel-led interest at Bayern Munich, although the Germans are more likely to see if his contract runs down until next summer when he can leave for free. He is also admired by Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
Liverpool, who are driven by a need for midfielders and homegrown players, are interested in both Mount and Conor Gallagher.
Chelsea want to cash in and sell Mount if no deal is agreed by the summer but they have also not rushed back into negotiations with so much else going on at the club.
The two-time Chelsea Player of the Year has undoubtedly been distracted by the negotiations.
He recorded the most goal involvements in the Chelsea squad last season, reaching double figures for both goals (11) and assists (10) last season, but has just three goals and six assists this season.
Mount offers more than goals and assists, and his character and leadership would be missed should he depart.
He was the only player to go and applaud supporters after the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, remarkably, while being an unused substitute that day. Even Potter did not properly acknowledge the supporters before his sacking.
It will make it all the more painful if Mount leaves because, having been at the club for 18 years, he has real love and care for everything Chelsea.
