If Antonio Conte thought he had selection issues before yesterday’s game, he certainly does now. The red cards for Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas mean that a Chelsea side already depleted by injuries to Eden Hazard, Pedro and Tiemoue Bakayoko now finds itself really struggling.
While Victor Moses’ return from suspension means that Cesar Azpilicueta can return to centre back, the real question is who will replace Fabregas alongside N’Golo Kante in the heart of midfield. With Chalobah and Loftus-Cheek gone, options are very limited.
The most likely option appears to be David Luiz moving into midfield from defence, with Antonio Rudiger continuing at the back as Azpi moves into the centre of defence and is replaced by the returning Victor Moses at right wing back.
It’s not ideal, and moving your lynchpin out of his favoured position is not what any manager wants to do, but given the limited options available to Conte, it seems his hand has been forced.
