Hakim Ziyech has been handed his first Chelsea start of the season against Southampton, despite speculation regarding his future.

Having been on the periphery of Thomas Tuchel's squad during the early weeks of the season, the Moroccan has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

However, the playmaker is one of three changes made by Tuchel, who opts to stick with a back four for the trip to St Mary's.

Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah are both missing from the squad through injury, resulting in recalls for Cesar Azpilicueta and Kalidou Koulibaly.

Despite his return from a knee injury at the weekend, Mateo Kovacic remains short of match fitness and takes his place among the replacements.

Ethan Ampadu and Billy Gilmour both feature on the substitutes' bench, despite their expected departures, while Armando Broja is also in reserve against his former club.

Youngster Harvey Vale is back among the senior group, a result of Callum Hudson-Odoi moving out on loan to Bayer Leverkusen.

Southampton: Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Bella-Kotchap, Salisu, Perraud; Diallo, Ward-Prowse, Lavia; A Armstrong, Adams, Elyounoussi
Subs: McCarthy, Lyanco, Bednarek, Aribo, Valery, S Armstrong, Djenepo, Walcott, Mara

Chelsea: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Mount; Ziyech, Havertz, Sterling
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Chilwell, Ampadu, Chukwuemeka, Gilmour, Kovacic, Pulisic, Vale, Broja