Solving Conte’s Selection Headaches: Three Ways Chelsea Can Line Up Once This Defensive Bulldozer Returns

France international and Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma, who last saw action in February having damaged his cruciate knee ligament is now back in action.

The 21-year-old played for the first time in 8 months on Monday evening during an under-23 game between the Blues and Derby County, and with his rehabilitation going smoothly having completed 45 minutes of the game, a return to the first team is near.

A regular starter before his ill-lucked injury, Zouma was one of Chelsea’s bright lights in the campaign despite the team’s poor overall performance. He definitely would slot right back into Conte’s starting XI once fully fit, but how will Chelsea lineup with him by then?

Put him in the 3-man defence at Cahill’s expense

The stand-in skipper is the only player in the current back 3 setup whose position is under threat. Of the trio, his ball-playing abilities are the least, and he is definitely the most expendable. Zouma plays on the right in central defence and will play on Luiz’s right if he is returned to the lineup.

Azpilicueta doesn’t have a weak foot and had played as a left-back this season until the Hull City game when the 3-man defence system was adopted. He is definitely a better option than Cahill, and will easily displace the English centre back who is bound to make way.

With Zouma also being an aerial threat in set-pieces and corners, Cahill’s offensive contributions too won’t be missed if he is relegated to a backup role.

Play him in the middle of the 3-man defence with Luiz moving to defensive midfield

David Luiz’s abilities have seen him get deployed in front of the defenders at times, and his performances since returning to the club have shown he would fit in just fine. While Matic has been excellent in creating chances (7) and assists (4), he could slow down counter attacks and doesn’t play long passes much. Luiz’s passes have averaged 24 meters in length – 6 meters more than Matic’s, and they are both tied on 88% pass accuracy.

With the Brazilian out of the defence to make way for Zouma, the French youngster will play in between 2 other defenders. His pace means he will be able to quickly track back like Luiz does whenever the ball is lost on the attack. His defensive capabilities are also suited for the role considering his stats and performances last term.

In 23 league appearances last season, the 21-year-old averaged an 80% pass accuracy, 21meters pass length, 8 defensive actions and won 64% of his duels. Definitely an impressive return for the youngster, and he will do just fine upon his return to the starting lineup.

Return to a 4-2-3-1 to field him

While the possibility of this happening is very slim, it can’t be completely ruled out. With Azpilicueta and Alonso as full backs, Zouma and Luiz will play in central defence. And that will still accommodate the other starting XI members of the recent games.

Kante and Matic will continue in deep midfield positions, while the trio of Moses, Hazard and Willian take up spots on the right, centre and left midfield positions respectively. Not a bad setup considering how reliable the 2 centre backs are, and Zouma’s return might see Conte try out the former formation once again just to accommodate the qualities he brings to the table.