Fofana choice, Koulibaly start - Chelsea's perfect XI for Premier League opener vs Everton

There are now just nine days until Chelsea kick off their 2022/23 Premier League campaign against Everton and Thomas Tuchel will be working his squad hard on the training pitch in preparation for the Goodison Park trip. The Blues were somewhat off the pace in defeat to Arsenal at the end of their US tour and Tuchel was not certain that his side would be ready for August 6.

He said: "I can not guarantee. I saw today a team in Arsenal who are mentally committed to an idea of playing, a level of exhaustion, a level of physical commitment that we could not match.

"Also, a level of mental commitment that we lacked because we have a lot of players who are thinking about leaving and looking at their options. We have players that have left and I think at the moment that's obvious."

There is plenty for Chelsea to resolve ahead of the new term and the end of the transfer window. The futures of the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Armando Broja and others need to be decided, while it's clear Tuchel would like more incoming players in the coming weeks.

Others will be trying to push their case in front of the German coach. Without new additions, youngsters like Ethan Ampadu and Levi Colwill can only grow in confidence of their place in the first team squad.

Chelsea have just one remaining friendly against Udinese in Italy on Friday, and are also set to play behind closed doors at Cobham against newly-promoted National League side Dorking Wanderers the following day. After that, Everton-specific preparations will await.

Edouard Mendy will undoubtedly play in goal for Chelsea on the opening day but who starts in front of him may be uncertain. understands that the club are set to contact Wesley's Fofana's entourage this week over a move. He is