Chelsea FC XI vs Middlesbrough: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for FA Cup today

Chelsea trio Reece James, Andreas Christensen and Callum Hudson-Odoi are all doubts for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough.

James was named in the England squad this week despite only playing 147 minutes of football this year and missed the midweek Champions League win against Lille due to injury.

Christensen limped off in the first half of the victory in France, while Hudson-Odoi has been struggling with an Achilles issue.

All three players took part in light training on Thursday but Thomas Tuchel said on the Friday that they faced late fitness tests ahead of the trip to the Riverside.

“We have Reece, Callum and Andreas Christensen uncertain,” said Tuchel.

“They are in training but not in full training yesterday so let’s see. We still some checks to do and it can be a very tight race, maybe too close.”

Asked if he was surprised by James’ England call-up, Tuchel said on Friday: “Yes and no. I would always call Reece up no matter what if I was the head coach of the England national team so I’m not surprised.

“Yesterday he was not match ready so let’s see what happens tomorrow. He comes now from nine weeks of injuries altogether and we have to do late tests to see if he can even do full training today and be match ready for tomorrow, which is a big doubt. If not, it makes no sense for him to go.”

Chelsea predicted XI (3-4-3): Kepa; Chalobah, Rudiger, Silva; Azpilicueta, Kovacic, Kante, Alonso; Pulisic, Mount, Lukaku.

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