Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed the right-back’s return after a minor knee harm and sickness stunted his pre-season preparations.
The Chelsea boss mentioned forward of the conflict in Atlanta: “He is a very important player for us and it’s important to have player like him back. Hopefully, he can play.”
Trevoh Chalobah has overcome a minor Achilles concern that prevented him from facing Brighton final day out. Noni Madueke was held again from that 4-3 win on Saturday after coming back from England Under-21s‘ victory at the European Championship.
Levi Colwill, Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez have all been fully reintegrated into the Chelsea first-team and could start at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Pochettino will likely pick a strong side against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, who certified for the Champions League via their fourth-placed end final season.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ben Chilwell, Andrey Santos, Conor Gallagher, Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku might all proceed within the XI with Malo Gusto more likely to begin at right-back whereas James is fastidiously reintroduced on his return from harm.
Chelsea will hope to present him and Madueke extra minutes of their final two pre-season video games towards Fulham and Dortmund within the United States.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Kepa; Gusto, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell; Enzo, Santos, Gallagher; Sterling, Nkunku, Mudryk
Doubts: None
Injuries: None
Time and date: 1.15am BST, Thursday July 27, 2023
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
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