Lukaku, Ziyech fitness problems worry Chelsea boss

Southampton’s on-loan top scorer Armando Broja is ineligible to face his parent club. Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is nearing a return after almost four months out with a hamstring injury, while Shane Long is struggling with an ankle issue.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech have “little problems” and the pair face late fitness tests.

Callum Hudson-Odoi remains sidelined with back and Achilles issues. Defender Ben Chilwell is the only long-term absentee.

It’s been a bad week for Chelsea, who have conceded seven goals in two home defeats, against Brentford and Real Madrid.

Fans are expecting a reaction from Thomas Tuchel’s side in today’s match against Southampton. Well travelled – Chelsea are aiming to equal a club record of seven consecutive away wins in all competitions.

Southampton have one win from their last 12 Premier League games with Chelsea (D3 L8). Chelsea are unbeaten in eight trips to St Mary’s, and have lost just once there in 13 Premier League visits (W9, D3).

Ralph Hasenhuttl has one win from his six league meetings with Thomas Tuchel (D1, L4), a 1-0 Bundesliga victory for RB Leipzig against Borussia Dortmund in September 2016.