With Chelsea's Premier League campaign due to get underway in just over one week when they welcome Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge, Graham Potter will be beginning to form his starting XI for the clash. The Blues still have a behind-closed-doors friendly to come against Brentford but have seen Mason Mount, Thiago Silva, Conor Gallagher and Raheem Sterling return to training over the weekend as the Blues squad begins to take shape.
The Blues still await Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic arriving back at Cobham, but the duo will have some time off having only last played on Saturday in the World Cup third-place play-off. Their availability and readiness to complete 90 minutes will be in question, with likely only a day or two to introduce themselves into Potter's plans.
Kovacic's absence, in addition to the injury of Ruben Loftus-Cheek will leave Potter with a conundrum in midfield. Throughout the opening part of the season, Chelsea's midfield two has tended to be a rotation between Jorginho, Kovacic and Loftus-Cheek.
READ MORE: What Callum Hudson-Odoi did after Chelsea confirm January plan for Bayer Leverkusen loan
The Italian maestro has been involved with Potter's preparation for a number of weeks already and seems all but guaranteed to start. The veteran will need a partner, and that may provide Denis Zakaria with his first Premier League start.
The Swiss international impressed on his full debut against Dinamo Zagreb to set out his stall for the first time but has since had a limited role in the World Cup and only joined up with the squad following the Abu Dhabi camp. Zakaria has even conceded he must improve, but his chance could come quickly.
The 26-year-old said: "I'm still positive about it all, and then I'll see what will happen. I still need to improve some things and show the coach what I can. When I get to play, I have to show that I am good. It has not been enough so far, but I work hard to get my chance in this big club."
Against Aston Villa, Potter opted for a midfield three with Jorginho joined by Charlie Webster and Lewis Hall. The latter has seen his involvement with the first team step up, but his two starts have come as a left wing-back thus far. He does however prefer to play in midfield.
"I prefer playing as a number eight where I can go box to box but the last couple of years I’ve been playing on the left, whether it’s as wing-back or full-back," said the 18-year-old recently.
"Wherever I’m asked to play, I’ve just got to do my best. Obviously, I have my preferences but realistically it’s a big jump from academy to senior football so getting any minutes wherever I play on the pitch is just a blessing really."
Much has been made of Chelsea possibly moving to 433 for the resumption of the season, so perhaps even both could play but if deemed fit enough, Mount will come into contention for a more aggressive role in connecting midfield and attack.
Regardless of formation, at least one of Hall and Zakaria will have an opportunity to put down their mark as the fixtures once again come thick and fast.
READ NEXT:
Agent plans Chelsea defender's next transfer and confirms AC Milan talks amid Serie A hopes
Chelsea can sign £1.7m transfer bargain in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang repeat and see off Arsenal
Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea transfer 'confirmed' as forward signs deal before January
What Christopher Nkunku has said on Chelsea transfer as deal 'confirmed' ahead of 2023 move
Todd Boehly Chelsea plan given boost as Kai Havertz completes historic feat for Blues
