The Blues will be without several players due to injury and suspension at Old Trafford, with Mauricio Pochettino confirming in his pre-match press conference that Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia are among those set to miss out.

Lesley Ugochukwu and Noni Madueke will also be absent with what Pochettino described as minor injuries. Yet there was the welcome sight of Reece James and Marc Cucurella involved in today's session.

The duo missed the weekend victory over Brighton and Hove Albion due to suspension but club captain James and Cucurella are both in contention to return against Erik Ten Hag's side in Manchester.

Conor Gallagher wore the armband in the absence of James on Sunday, but he is ruled out of the visit to Old Trafford after being sent off against Brighton. His absence will force Pochettino into a midfield reshuffle.

‘It’s not going to change too much,' said the Chelsea head coach. 'If you see the squad available tomorrow, it’s not difficult to see what my decisions will be. There are going to be many young guys involved from the Academy.

‘There are not too many options, but I am happy. I am sure we are going to play a good game.'

The aberration at Newcastle was firmly put behind Chelsea at the weekend. The challenge that now faces Pochettino and his players is maintaining the momentum generated by our hard-fought victory over Brighton.

'It’s always good to play at Old Trafford because it’s an amazing stadium, fans, team, and club,' explained Pochettino.

'It’s a great opportunity to play there and we are at a similar level, but with different situations. I don’t say it’s a good moment to go there, the most important thing is to be ready to compete.

'We’re going to face a team that is going to be tough and wants to win, but we want to keep our momentum, build from Brighton, and be higher in the table. For us that’s important.'

Tomorrow's game offers Pochettino the opportunity to go head-to-head with Ten Hag for the first time since defeating the Dutchman in the 2019 Champions League semi-final. It is one the Chelsea head coach is looking forward to.

'For me, he is a fantastic coach,' said Pochettino. 'I think it will be good to see him after four years because after the semi-final we have not had the pleasure again.

'We were in Paris and didn't have the chance to play each other Champions League – now is the chance to see him again.