Thomas Tuchel gives injury updates on Chelsea duo Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner
Follow all the action as Chelsea host Norwich City in the Premier League in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Thomas Tuchel’s side enters the weekend top of the table, having taken 19 points from a possible 24 this season, and are full of confidence after sweeping aside Malmo in the Champions League during the week. Their victory was marred by significant injury blows, though, with both Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner ruled out. That means Kai Havertz should return to the starting XI while Callum Hudson-Odoi will have a rare chance to impress from the outset. “It’s only a turning point if he makes it a turning point – and only if he does not only do one good match, one good half, 60 good minutes, but if he does it consistently,” Tuchel said of the winger.
Meanwhile, Norwich have endured a difficult start upon their return to the top-flight. The Canaries are bottom of the table, having lost six out of eight matches, and are yet to secure a victory. To break that streak this afternoon, it will take a truly momentous performance. Follow all the latest updates below:
Chelsea vs Norwich
Chelsea: Mendy, Chalobah, Silva, Rudiger, James, Kovacic, Jorginho, Chilwell, Mount, Havertz, Hudson-OdoiNorwich: Krul, Hanley, Kabak, Gibson, Aarons, Lees-Melou, McLean, Normann, Giannoulis, Pukki, SargentShow latest update
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Head-to-head: Chelsea vs Norwich
Chelsea haven’t lost in 17 meetings between these two sides. They’ve won 12 and lost five in a run that stretches back to 1994.
Defeat today would see Norwich equal their longest losing streak in the Premier League against a single opponent – matching the five defeats in a row against Wimbledon and Liverpool.
Michael Jones23 October 2021 11:46
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Romelu Lukaku ruled out injured for two games by Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel
And now the European champions will have to make do without their No 9 against Norwich on Saturday and next week’s Carabao Cup tie with Southampton on Tuesday, 26th October.
Michael Jones23 October 2021 11:42
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Team changes – Chelsea vs Norwich
Thomas Tuchel makes five changes to the Chelsea starting XI that lined up against Malmo during the week. Trevor Chalobah slots into the back line replacing Andreas Christensen, Reece James takes over at right wingback from Cesar Azpilicueta whilst Mateo Kovacic partners Jorginho in midfield. Up top Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner are out which means starts for Kai Havertz and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Daniel Farke meanwhile names an unchanged team from Norwich’s 0-0 draw with Brighton last time out. The only change in personnel comes on the bench as Jacob Sorensen replaces the ineligible Billy Gilmour.
Michael Jones23 October 2021 11:38
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Line-ups: Chelsea vs Norwich
Chelsea XI: Mendy, Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, James, Jorginho, Kovacic, Chilwell, Mount, Havertz, Hudson-Odoi
Norwich XI: Krul, Kabak, Hanley, Gibson, Aarons, Normann, Giannoulis, Lees-Melou, McLean, Sargent, Pukki
Michael Jones23 October 2021 11:30
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Tuchel on Lukaku and Werner injuries
Thomas Tuchel gave an update on the injuries to strikers Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner saying that both players will be out for at least two matches if not longer but he did not want to speculate on the actual length of their recoveries saying:
There is no big news for Romelu[Lukaku] and Timo [Werner]. They are out for tomorrow and they are out for the Southampton game, and from there we see what’s next.
“I don’t think it makes sense to go into speculation about how long this is going to be. If we had done this with Christian Pulisic, maybe you would think I’m a liar and I’m hiding something. You never know. Things can be shorter or longer than expected.
“The one thing I can tell you for sure is they are both in treatment. Both are feeling positive, not too worried, and are out for the next two games for sure.”
Michael Jones23 October 2021 11:25
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Recent results – Chelsea vs Norwich
Chelsea have a one-point lead over Liverpool as they sit top of the table, only dropping points against the Reds (1-1 draw) and Manchester City (1-0 defeat) this term. Thomas Tuchel’s men have only conceded three goals in their eight games so far making them one of the hardest teams to break down.
Norwich are bottom of the Premier League but they haven’t lost either of their last two games. Both matches, against Burnley and Brighton, ended in goalless draws and earned Norwich their first points of the season after a run of seven consecutive league defeats.
Michael Jones23 October 2021 11:21
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Early team news – Chelsea vs Norwich
Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner both picked up injuries during Chelsea’s midweek win over Malmo and won’t feature today meaning Kai Havertz is likely to start. Also absent for the Blues is Christian Pulisic who is still recovering from an ankle injury.
Billy Gilmour can’t play for Norwich as he is ineligible to face his parent club after joining the Canaries on loan from Chelsea. Todd Cantwell, Sam Byron and Christoph Zimmermann remain sidelined with Przemyslaw Placheta lack match fitness.
Michael Jones23 October 2021 11:15
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High-flying Chelsea host rock-bottom Norwich
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage as Premier League leaders Chelsea host rock-bottom Norwich in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are overwhelming favourites heading into the fixture, however, they will have to make do without both Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner after the pair suffered injuries during the Blues’ victory against Malmo in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Norwich are searching desperately for a first win of the season, having earned just two points so far, with the alarm bells ringing resoundingly already.
Michael Jones23 October 2021 09:28
