Thomas Tuchel gives Mason Mount and Reece James fitness updates ahead of Chelsea’s match against Southampton

The Chelsea manager said he was surprised to see Reece James called up to the England squad

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Mason Mount is fit and available again for Chelsea, manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing week with a match against Southampton at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea suffered back-to-back 1-0 defeats, against Manchester City last weekend and Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday night, to put a halt to the early momentum this season.

The results coincided with an injury for Mount and his presence as link between midfield and attack was clearly missed, particularly in the game against City when the Blues failed to register a shot on target.

The 22-year-old midfielder was expected to return after Gareth Southgate called him up to the England squad for the upcoming international break, and Tuchel confirmed that Mount was in contention to play against Saints.

“Mason is back,” Tuchel said. “It was not a long injury, was a minor injury, and we’re happy that he’s back.

“We need to be careful. He had a rough time at Tottenham. It is not time on single players. We of course miss Mason. The whole team missed Kante and Mason, of course that’s why he plays. Reece James too? Yes of course. [Christian] Pulisic? Of course. We have a squad and the duty, for me as a coach, to find a solution. It is possible to win games with Mason Mount.”

Tuchel also said he was surprised to see right-back Reece James called up to the England squad, given he is still recovering from injury.

“When I saw [the news] I thought maybe Reece goes with the water polo teams as he is training in the pool,” Tuchel joked. “I am surprised. My understanding is that he will not go.”

Asked how Chelsea will deal with the threat of Southampton, and particularly their energetic high press, Tuchel was coy.

“I will not tell you. We have developed some ideas and solutions to deal with their high pressure. In general, you need to be aware of it. You don’t have time to think when you are on the ball so you need to anticipate situations, good with timing.

“Of course there are various possibilities, perhaps long balls, to escape high pressing. The most important thing is that we are aware and not judge teams by their rankings or previous results.”