The Good News

Manager Thomas Tuchel may need to keep an eye on the Chelsea injury list as he makes his team selection for Saturday. The club has officially announced that their star midfielder Ngolo Kante and young defender Reece James have returned to training.

The French box-to-box midfielder had to isolate after testing positive for Covid-19 before Chelsea’s game against Manchester City. This also led to him missing out on international duty with France. This rest has allowed him to return his fitness at the Chelsea training ground.

As for James, he suffered an ankle injury while playing the match against City. After missing England’s two World Cup qualifier matches, the club has confirmed that he has left the swimming pool and joined his teammates on the pitch.

Reece and Kante at training

pic.twitter.com/eP59VBw8u2

— Chelsea FC USA (@ChelseaFCinUSA) October 12, 2021

The Not so Good News

The Blues still have some concerns going into the weekend. Their main centre half this season Antonio Rudiger had to sit out of Germany’s thrashing of North Macedonia.

Although German coach Hansi Flick said that Rudiger’s back injury was not serious, it will be something that Stamford Bridge will need to keep an eye on.

Another problem for Chelsea is their American winger, Christian Pulisic. The former Dortmund player has not featured much since the opening game of the season. This is mainly due to a positive Covid-19 test and an ankle injury. There is hope in the camp that he will return to training in the coming weeks.

Lastly, the Blues’ most expensive player, Romelu Lukaku was released from the Belgium national team camp last week. It is understood that the physical striker suffered a muscle injury.

Little is known about the injury but Chelsea will want him back in full health as soon as possible.

Chelsea players on international duty this week:

Thiago Silva: 100 Caps for Brazil.
Timo Werner: 2 goals for Germany.
Kai Havertz: 1 goal for Germany.
Romelu Lukaku: 1 goal for Belgium.
Ben Chilwell: 1 goal for England. pic.twitter.com/L84rNLWNag

— Kilekun (@kilekun__o) October 11, 2021

Tuchel will want to have his squad in shape as challenges newly-promoted Brentford in the league. The match will kick off at 17:30 on Saturday, 16th October in the Brentford Community Stadium.

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Flick announced today that Rudiger is back in contention to play against North Macedonia after missing recent training sessions.

The former Roma player played all 90 minutes in Germany’s World Cup qualifier against Romania. After a stunning Ianis Hagi goal, Serge Gnabry and Thomas Muller spared the team’s blushes in a 2-1 win.

After that match, the Chelsea defender was absent from training over the weekend. Reports in Germany claimed that he was struggling with a back injury and would be doubtful to play.

In a pre-match press conference Flick told the media that Rudiger was undergoing treatment for a back problem but that it would not rule him out of Germany’s next match.

This is Rudiger playing in a back 4 pic.twitter.com/23H7q76MWC

— (@_NeverTakenAnL_) October 9, 2021

This will be great news for German and Chelsea fans as the 6’2” center-half is in the form of his life. He has shown that he is one of the best defenders in the world, being a major part of the Blues’ Champions League victory.

He is still yet to extend his contract at Chelsea with his deal running out in June. If the Stamford Bridge board cannot agree to make him the highest-paid defender in the league then he may still leave.

Some of Europe’s major teams have already started circling with rumors of Bayern Munich and PSG wanting the player. As it stands, the now Chelsea defender will focus on his next game for Germany.

Keep smiling …. always #Hustle #AlwaysBelieve pic.twitter.com/8PmRXgyEq6

— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) October 5, 2021

Die Mannschaft will travel to North Macedonia for their upcoming game in the World Cup qualifiers. This top-of-the-table clash kicks off tonight, 11th October at 19:45 in Skopje. It will also be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League Ireland.

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The Champions League and Super Cup winners have been playing some really impressive football this year since the arrival of their German manager. He has managed to build on the squad left to him by Frank Lampard and has added superstars like Romelu Lukaku and Saul Niquez to his ranks.

Now that his transfer business is done until after the new year, he will now focus on signing his best players to longer contracts. Here is a list of six Blues players that could leave next summer for free if Tuchel does not act fast.

Antonio Rudiger 

This player has been all over the Chelsea news of late. He has already rejected two offers from the club in hopes of getting a £200,000 a-week contract.

Although many think that this farcical, making him one of the highest-paid defenders in world football, his performances have been nothing short of world-class. The German hs scored one goal and kept four clean sheets in the opening six games.

Being only 28, he is one of Chelsea’s younger defenders so they will want to keep him for many years to come.

Rio Ferdinand believes that Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has been the best centre-back in the Premier League since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel at the club last season. pic.twitter.com/uhJvJC2VqX

— Frank Khalid (@FrankKhalidUK) September 20, 2021

Cesar Azpilicueta

Azpilicueta has become a legend at the Blues in recent years, this is now his ninth year at the club making him one of their most experienced players. At 32 years old he still has versatility in defense, being able to play as a fullback, wingback, and center half.

As a major fan favorite, Tuchel will need to ensure that the Spaniard stays for a few more years through their successes.

Andreas Christensen

The young Danish defender has seen his career change drastically since Tuchel became manager. He has seen his status as a rotation player turned into one of the mainstays in Chelsea’s powerful defense.

Even though it seems like Christensen has been a Chelsea for a small eternity, he is still only 25. There is no doubt that Stamford Bridge will be seeing him play next year as reports claim that the club and player are close to agreeing to a deal.

Thiago Silva

Compared to the other defenders, Thiago Silva is a special exception. At 37 years old, his age is a major factor in his contract. There is no point in signing him to a long-term deal when it is likely that the player will be retiring soon.

Instead, at the end of the season, the player and club will decide on his future. So far this season he has shown his worth, starting two games and scoring one goal in the league.

He will be most important for the club in Europe this year as they use his talent and experience to see out tougher games.

"His performance was outstanding."

Thomas Tuchel on Thiago Silva's MOTM performance for Chelsea against Tottenham pic.twitter.com/xhdvkXESE1

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 19, 2021

Charly Musonda

This young Belgian is more of a risk. He was expected to become the next Eden Hazard after a great loan spell at Real Betis but has not managed much success since.

Still only 24 years of age, Chelsea will keep the player but unless he improves, he will become one of their perpetual loan players traveling around Europe every year.

Happy birthday, Charly Musonda!

All the best with your recovery, Charly! pic.twitter.com/VHJaLxDHYJ

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 15, 2019

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Now with the transfer deadline day over and done with, clubs will now focus on contract renewals.

Chelsea has been quick to keep their stars at the club with defender Andreas Christensen very close to a new contract so far.

The London club’s main worry is their German center-back Antonio Rudiger. The 28-year-old has already rejected a previous contract offer due to it falling ‘well short of expectations.’

The 6’2” German was integral to the club’s achievements last season and some of Europe’s biggest teams will be keeping tabs on this ongoing situation.

Teams such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and PSG have already shown interest in the defender. In England, Tottenham Hotspur were looking to buy the player before but that deal will likely never happen.

Chelsea are waiting on Antonio Rudiger’s contract decision as he weighs up his options before committing to an extended stay at Stamford Bridge.

It is understood the player wants to look at options ahead of next summer.

– @DeanJonesSoccer pic.twitter.com/NBfhnQ03NP

— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) September 7, 2021

The Blues are just off one of their most successful seasons in recent history after beating Manchester City for the Champions League title. A major reason for that success was because of manager Thomas Tuchel’s trust in his defense.

Rudiger has become a fan favorite since joining the club from Roma in 2017. Last year he made 19 starts and scored a goal, mainly after the arrival of the new boss.

He has also become the new mainstay in his national team after playing in their four Euro 2020 matches this summer.

This year he started in Chelsea’s opening three wins as well as their Super Cup triumph as he begins the season on a perfect run.

With many more good years ahead of him, the Blues will be fools to not lock down his signature. With other European giants sniffing around they will want to hurry up.

Need to see more of this from Rudiger this season man pic.twitter.com/crQXKdkKV8

— stad. (@ftblstad) September 6, 2021

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If you missed part one, click here for the ultimate guide on goalkeepers for your team.

The centre of defence is a very important part of international football, and it can often be the reason why teams succeed.

There are many centre backs heading to the 2020 UEFA European Championship this summer, but who should make your fantasy side?

We have the answer.

PAU TORRES – SPAIN, €4.5m

Pau Torres will play at his major international tournament at the age of 22.

The defender is wise beyond his years and has shone for Unai Emery’s Villarreal this season.

In a group where Spain are favourites, the centre back will play alongside Aymeric Laporte, if the starting eleven against Portugal is anything to go by.

The defender will rack up the points for your fantasy side with his calm and composed attitude.

He is a cheap addition to your fantasy team at just €4.5m and will repay that and more with his performances.

ANTONIO RUDIGER – GERMANY, €5.5m

Antonio Rudiger has been brilliant since Thomas Tuchel took the reins at Chelsea.

The German central defender will be hungry for more silverware after winning the UEFA Champions League.

His heading ability and defending inside the 18-yard box is sure to rack up tons of points.

His height and strength will also help him to dominate the opposing strikers.

The tough centre half comes in at a relatively cheap €5.5m, given his talents.

FANTASY FOOTBALL FIND: ALESSANDRO BASTONI – ITALY, €4.5m

The fantasy football find for centre-back is Alessandro Bastoni.

Bastoni won Serie A this season with Inter Milan and was one of their best players throughout the season.

A calm defender with an eye for a pass, the Italian can impress on the international stage this summer.

He is valued at €54m by Transfermarkt.

However, only 3% of players have realised what a bargain he is.

At €4.5m, the 22-year-old will soothe your worries and help you get clear of your friends in the game.

The post Fantasy Football: Best Centre Backs For Your Euro 2020 Fantasy Team appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.