How should Chelsea line up without Morata and Kanté against Crystal Palace on Saturday?

The international break is basically over, but it didn’t quite go exactly to plan. We had hoped that Chelsea would return from the break in full health and fitness and ready to tackle the next set of 7-in-21, but it looks like we’re worse off now in that regard than at the start.

Ten days ago, Morata’s hamstring injury was supposed to be very minor, but the doctors of the Spanish national team quickly shot down those hopes. And while Chelsea continue to put out optimistic vibes, the only concrete bit of information remains that Spanish diagnosis of a grade II tear, and those by definition don’t heal in just two weeks.

Meanwhile, N’Golo Kanté picked up a hamstring injury as well while playing for France. He’s currently being evaluated by Chelsea’s medical staff, but reports earlier this week from France were expecting him to be out at least as long as Morata (2-3 weeks), if not longer (all of October and maybe a day or two extra).

We should get Danny Drinkwater back from his latest injury, though where his fitness levels may be, not to mention his acclimatization to Conte’s system, is anyone’s guess at the moment. David Luiz is also available, having served all three games of his domestic suspension.

With everybody else except Willian back in training on Wednesday already, at least the rest of the squad should be ready to tackle the upcoming fixture list.

Choose wisely.

(Live results)