TRAVEL PLANS.

Chelsea's Travel Plans for Champions League Clash vs LOSC Lille Unaffected Despite Sanctions.

Chelsea's travel and accommodation plans for their Champions League clash against LOSC Lille next week won't be affected by the Government's cap on their travel expenses for matches, according to reports.

Thomas Tuchel's side head to France to the Stade Pierre Mauroy for the second leg of their last-16 next Wednesday. They have a two goal advantage after Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic's goals sealed a 2-0 first leg win at Stamford Bridge last month. 

But as a result of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich being sanctioned by the UK Government and the Club's having their income streams restricted, and spending capped, it caused concerns over their travel plans for the European tie. 

Chelsea were capped to spending £20,000 on travel expenses which caused concern over their trip to France.

Thomas Tuchel admitted as long as his squad had enough shirts and fuel to arrive for games, they would be there regardless of the circumstances and the challenges it's posing. 

He said: "As long as we have enough shirts and a bus to drive to the games we will be there and will compete hard."

Tuchel added: "Everybody can be very sure that we focus on us, to keep the attitude and the mentality right on the training ground and within the team.

So far we can trust each other and this will change.

TEAM NEWS.

 Ben Chilwell and Reece James remain absent for the long-term, but Tuchel will hope to welcome Cesar Azpilicueta back from a bout of illness in time for Wednesday's encounter.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is more of a concern as he battles a reported Achilles issue, but Thiago Silva is expected to return to the rearguard after enjoying a complete rest in the Newcastle win.

It would not be much of a surprise to see Tuchel revert to the bulk of the XI which started the first-leg win last month, which would mean recalls for Marcos Alonso and Christian Pulisic ahead of Malang Sarr and Timo Werner.

PREDICTED/POSSIBLE LINE UP.

Despite some significant off-field upheaval, Chelsea will look to keep their heads down and get the job done when they travel to face Lille in their Champions League last 16 second leg on Wednesday.

The Champions league holders are in control of the tie having comfortably despatched the Ligue 1 champions 2-0 in the first leg in late February - a lifetime ago given Roman Abramovich has since put the club up for sale and had sanctions imposed on him by the UK government following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel has joked that he will drive his side to northern France himself if the measures mean travel is impossible. Here's who could be on the plane/minibus...

1. Goalkeeper & defenders.

Edouard Mendy (GK) - The one certainty when attempting to predict a Chelsea lineup under Tuchel (unless it's a domestic cup game).

Andreas Christensen (CB) - The smooth-passing Dane has been given minutes recently despite closing in on a move to Barcelona.

Thiago Silva (CB) - Given a rest against Newcastle at the weekend. The incredible Brazilian should rotate back in here after dominating the first leg.

Antonio Rudiger (CB) - In line for his 50th appearance in UEFA club competition.

2. Wing-backs & midfielders.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RWB) - Should recover from a bout of illness to start here. Chelsea are very short in the right wing-back position with Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi both out.

N'Golo Kante (CM) - Given the task at hand, Kante will be crucial in breaking up the play and carrying Chelsea forward whenever possible.

Mateo Kovacic (CM) - The Croatian should rotate in for Jorginho, with his skillset perhaps better suited to seeing out the tie with the Blues in complete control.

Marcos Alonso (LWB) - Returned to the bench at the weekend having recovered from Covid-19. Should be in good enough shape to start here.

3. Forwards

Hakim Ziyech (RF) - The Moroccan was bang in form before a minor injury in the first leg. Made his comeback against Newcastle and still looked in good nick.

Romelu Lukaku (ST) - Kai Havertz is in the form of his Chelsea career so far, but given Chelsea's position of comfort in the tie it may well be a good opportunity to give Lukaku a start and get him firing.

Christian Pulisic (LF) - Had been increasingly influential before an illness. Came off the bench against Newcastle and should be in line tomorrow.