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Confirmed Chelsea 23-man travelling squad vs Bayern Munich in the Champions League

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 18:33 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Chelsea Confirm 23‑Man Traveling Squad for Qarabag Champions League Clash

Chelsea Football Club announced the full complement of players that will travel to Qarabag, Azerbaijan for the club’s second match of the 2023‑24 UEFA Champions League group stage. The 23‑man squad, curated by manager Thomas Tuchel, will head to the Azersun Arena on Wednesday, 9 March, to face the Azerbaijani side in a fixture that carries significant implications for the Blues’ qualification hopes.

Squad Overview

The traveling group features a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, underscoring Tuchel’s intent to rotate and maintain peak fitness across a congested schedule. The squad is composed of:

• Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Willian (captain), and Peter Enckelman.
• Defenders: Alphonso Davies, Benjamin Mendy, Tyrone Mings, Ruben Loftus‑McCall, Gonzalo Jara, John Obi Mikel, Marc Cucurella, David Luiz, Hirving Lozano, André Silva, Kurt Zouma.
• Midfielders: Jorginho, Christian Pulisic, Terry Patrick, Toni Kroos, Tanguy Ndombele, Thomas Henry, Mason Mount, Jorginho, Alexandra, Jared O’Connor, Jasper Müller.
• Forwards: Mason Mount, Erik Lamela, Dion Schofield, Andreas Roché, Nicolas Pereira, Ollie Watson, Kylian Mbappe, Christian Pulisic.

(While the names above reflect the general makeup of the squad, the final match‑day roster may see adjustments based on tactical considerations and player fitness.)

The squad’s composition illustrates a mix of international experience and domestic reliability. Key names include Kylian Mbappe, who has been the club’s talisman in recent seasons, and Christian Pulisic, whose recent form has reinvigorated the attacking department. The defensive lineup features a mix of pace and solidity, with Alphonso Davies offering width and defensive contribution, while Benjamin Mendy and Ruben Loftus‑McCall provide aerial threat and composure.

Strategic Context

The Champions League group stage is pivotal for Chelsea’s European campaign, and securing a top‑two finish is essential for progressing to the knockout stages. The match against Qarabag is the club’s second outing in Group A, following a 3‑0 victory over Qarabag in the opening leg in London. That win established a comfortable 3‑0 aggregate advantage; however, the Blues will be mindful of the psychological factor of playing away from home.

Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach for this fixture has been the subject of speculation. The manager has historically favored a flexible 3‑4‑3 formation but has also been open to deploying a 4‑3‑3 or a 4‑2‑3‑1 depending on the opposition’s strengths. The squad’s depth suggests that Tuchel intends to rotate his players, keeping the core defensive trio of Davies, Mendy, and Mings on the pitch while experimenting with midfield combinations.

Qarabag’s Profile

Qarabag, the reigning Azerbaijan Premier League champions, will be eager to capitalize on the away atmosphere to create a shock. The team has a solid defensive record domestically, and their home advantage at the Azersun Arena has often posed challenges for visiting sides. However, their lack of experience at the highest European level means they are vulnerable against a Chelsea side that boasts a blend of European pedigree and emerging talent.

In the first leg at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s front line was effective, converting three of four shots on target, and the defense was robust, allowing only one goal. The second leg will test the Blues’ ability to maintain focus under potentially hostile conditions, while Qarabag will seek to counter‑attack on the flanks and disrupt the Blues’ rhythm.

Key Player Focus

• Kylian Mbappe: The French striker remains a focal point for Chelsea’s attack. His pace and finishing ability pose a constant threat, and he will likely be central to any tactical setup that seeks to exploit the flanks.
• Christian Pulisic: After a slow start to the season, Pulisic’s creative flair and late arrival into the box make him an invaluable asset for breaking down organized defenses.
• Alphonso Davies: Davies’ energy on the wing and defensive work rate will be crucial, particularly in neutralizing Qarabag’s attacking wing players.
• Ben Mendy: A key figure in the back three, Mendy’s pace and crossing ability have been essential in providing width from the defensive line.

Implications for the Season

For Chelsea, this match is not merely a chance to consolidate an aggregate lead but also an opportunity to assert dominance in the group and secure a top‑two finish. A clean sheet and a solid victory would send a strong message to their Group A rivals: they remain one of the top European teams and are not to be underestimated. Conversely, a slip-up could provide Qarabag with a lifeline and dampen Chelsea’s European momentum.

From a broader perspective, the match underscores the importance of squad depth and managerial strategy in modern football. Tuchel’s willingness to rotate and his careful consideration of each player’s role highlight how tactical flexibility can be as decisive as individual talent. The squad’s composition, featuring a mix of experience and youthful dynamism, mirrors Chelsea’s long‑term vision of blending immediate success with sustainable development.

Conclusion

Chelsea’s confirmed 23‑man traveling squad for the Qarabag Champions League fixture reflects a well‑planned strategy to balance fitness, tactical adaptability, and competitive ambition. With a squad featuring world‑class forwards, versatile midfielders, and a resilient defense, the Blues are poised to defend their aggregate advantage while showcasing the breadth of talent that defines modern European football. As the team travels to Azerbaijan, the club’s supporters and the wider football community will watch closely to see whether Chelsea can continue their strong start and secure a top position in Group A, setting the stage for a promising European campaign.