Timo Werner a doubt for Chelsea’s trip to Crystal Palace as fitness woes continue in Thomas Tuchel’s attack

Timo Werner is a doubt for Chelsea’s clash with Crystal Palace, due to illness.

The Germany international has been suffering from a cold since returning from the Club World Cup.

Already unlikely to start the game at Selhurst Park, his absence further reduces Thomas Tuchel’s options in attack, with Mason Mount out due to ankle ligament damage.

It also impacts Werner’s chances of forcing his way into Tuchel’s plans, with ongoing doubts over his long-term future at the club. Werner has not started any of Chelsea’s last six games in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Tuchel is intent on developing a relationship between Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz, the two most expensive outfield players the club have ever bought.

Werner’s situation is being monitored by clubs abroad amid his struggles to settle into English football. And his lack of opportunities in recent weeks have only raised further questions about where he fits into Tuchel’s system.

Lukaku and Havertz started both games for Chelsea in the Club World Cup, with both men on the score sheet in the 2-1 win over Palmeiras in the final.

Ahead of Palace, Tuchel admitted he is still looking for a consistent formation up front, having seen his team selections disrupted by injuries and Covid cases all season.

“Everybody is maybe looking for that and for a settled line-up at the front,” he said. “We have so many players and they have so many qualities that sometimes it is hard to pick and sometimes it is hard to judge who is in the best shape and can help the most.

“We are looking for connections between players who can link up good and genuinely without too much effort, who have a good understanding, similar understanding of the movements. While you are looking and trying your best