Chelsea injury update ahead of the Carabao Cup final, predicted starting XI

The EFL Cup final is right around the corner, and with that we have taken a look at how Chelsea might line up in the tie against Liverpool, given their extensive injury worries throughout the season.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino has had a tough time as Chelsea boss since his arrival in July last year, and the club currently sit in 10th in the Premier League table, a huge 12 points away from playing European football next season. As such, winning the Carabao Cup gives the London side a huge chance to take in the prize money and view the season in a completely different light, as well as securing a European spot, although that is a completely different -and very real -problem.

Which players are injured for Chelsea?

Let’s start with the ‘maybe’ players: Thiago Silva is uncertain for the final as he is dealing with a groin injury. Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez, who has a knee injury, was expected to return against Manchester City but didn’t, and his status remains uncertain.

Marc Cucurella is sidelined with an ankle injury, and although he has resumed individual training, his return is anticipated in March.

Reece James has been ruled out of the game due to a thigh injury; he is expected to recover around March/April. Benoît Badiashile is also nursing a groin injury and is projected to make a comeback in March. Wesley Fofana is in the recovery process from an ACL injury and is likely to finally be match-fit once again by April.

Carney Chukwuemeka’s ankle injury status is still unclear, and Lesley Ugochukwu is out with a thigh injury without a specified return date. Roméo Lavia continues to recover from a thigh injury.

Chelsea predicted starting XI for the Carabao Cup final:

The game kicks off at Wembley Stadium on February 25 at 10am ET / 7am PT. You can follow the live text coverage of AS USA with Joe Brennan, who will be on hand to guide you through the action.

“Liverpool will not make it easy.” wrote manager Mauricio Pochettino in an open letter to the Blues fans ahead of the game, “they are capable of bringing a storm on the pitch and when it arrives, we must be ready to give our best to achieve what we all want. We will remind the players that when the heart beats a little faster, that is when you must be ready to fight”.