Chelsea pair David Luiz and Nemanja Matic are set to walk a defensive tightrope during the Blues' upcoming Premier League clash against Stoke City.
Luiz and Matic have both picked up four bookings this season and will incur an automatic one-game suspension if they receive a yellow card when Chelsea entertain Mark Hughes' side at Stamford Bridge on December 31.
The pair would then be required to serve their ban - if they fall foul of the officials against the Potters - when Chelsea travel to White Hart Lane to face Tottenham on January 4.
The absence of either man could provide Antonio Conte with a significant selection headache given how crucial the duo are within his preferred 3-4-3 formation.
Luiz has thrived as part of a three-man defence while Matic has established himself ahead of Cesc Fabregas in the midfield pecking order this season.
John Terry and Kurt Zouma are not yet fully fit and Luiz's potential absence would be likely to be keenly felt with Conte short of other options in defence.
N'Golo Kante, Diego Costa and Pedro have all received bans for an accumulation of cautions in recent weeks but such disciplinary issues are yet to scupper's Chelsea's impressive momentum.
The Blues have won 12 consecutive top-flight games and will set a new Premier League record if they secure three points against Stoke and Mauricio Pochettino's side.
