Chelsea faces uncertainties about Thiago Silva's availability due to injury concerns ahead of today's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool according to The evening Standard.
The experienced Brazilian defender is racing against time to recover from a groin injury sustained almost two weeks ago against Crystal Palace.
Alongside Silva, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, and Marc Cucurella are also doubtful for the final, leaving manager Mauricio Pochettino with limited defensive options.
Despite a lengthy injury list, including Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia, and Lesley Ugochukwu, Cucurella has returned to partial team training.
However, the situation remains challenging for Chelsea, with Liverpool also facing several absentees, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, and Alisson Becker. Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Dominik Szoboszlai will undergo late fitness tests.
Chelsea is expected to field an unchanged lineup from their recent draw with Manchester City. Djordje Petrovic will continue in goal, supported by a defensive lineup of Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill, and Ben Chilwell.
The midfield trio is likely to comprise Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Conor Gallagher, with Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Raheem Sterling leading the attack. Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Noni Madueke are expected to be among the substitutes.
The predicted Chelsea lineup for the final is as follows: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Chilwell; Fernandez, Gallagher, Caicedo; Palmer, Jackson, Sterling.
Thiago Silva remains a doubt for the match, with injuries also ruling out James, Cucurella, Fofana, Ugochukwu, Lavia, Badiashile, and Chukwuemeka.
The final is scheduled for 3pm GMT on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Wembley Stadium
0 Comments