Chelsea could miss two key players for Brentford game

As the Premier League returns following the international break, current leaders Chelsea could be without two key players for their West London clash with Brentford; both Antonio Rudiger and Romelu Lukaku could miss the game after picking up injuries for their countries.

Rudiger missed Germany’s final World Cup Qualifier on Monday night after picking up a back problem, with German National team manager, Hansi Flick, stating that Rudiger did not even train that week, the problem was causing him so many issues.

The injury may mean that Cezar Azpilicueta may have to fill in a CB alongside Andreas Christensen and Trevoh Chalobah.

Chelsea Boss, Thomas Tuchel was hoping to have eased this injury dilemma with the return of Thiago Silva, but the Brazilian international will most likely return too late as the country have a game on Thursday night, less than 48 hours before Chelsea’s game on Saturday.

Another issue for the Blues is that they could also be without £92 million forward Romelu Lukaku, with the player missing Belgium’s second game due to fitness and fatigue issues.

This injury could leave to door open for German forward Timo Werner to lead the line against Brentford, having scored in the team’s last Premier League outing against Southampton.

In better news for Chelsea fans, they should see the return of N’Golo Kante following his recovery from COVID-19. Reece James should also be in the frame for a return to the team, as he has recovered from his ankle injury and has trained most of the week.

Chelsea take on a Brentford side who have really taken to life in the top division of English football, beating Arsenal on opening day, then picking up a scalp draw against Liverpool. The game will not be an easy one for the league leaders and could be a thrilling clash on Saturday evening.