Zinchenko has a pretty poor injury record, it would be a dumb move to let KT go (unless it was for a great offer). Timber played well at LB at the weekend, so we’ve got more cover but it would be really nice to actually have some depth!
The way I see it, we have 9 defenders besides Tavares and Cedric — exactly the right number. Zinny and Tierney on the left, Gabriel and Kiwior on the LCB, Saliba and Holding on the RCB, White and Timber on the RB, and Tomiyasu wherever the fucking hell we need him. Obviously probably not actually gonna work out that way — I reckon Holding’s behind Timber and Tomiyasu if everyone’s fit and saliba’s the only injury; but given a 25 man squad, I think 9 is exactly what we want for the 4 spots; then 7 for midfield and 7 in the front plus 2 goalkeepers makes 25 (and a youth keeper to be third choice)