Noni Madueke will return to the Chelsea starting lineup against Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg on Tuesday.
Chelsea will aim to book a spot in the EFL Cup final when they welcome Middlesbrough to Stamford Bridge in the semi-final second leg on Tuesday night. And Mauricio Pochettino has a new injury concern hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Malo Gusto is recovering from a knock he picked up against Fulham and will not feature on Tuesday. The young Frenchman has joined Robert Sanchez, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Christopher Nkunku in the treatment room.
In addition, Nicolas Jackson remains unavailable due to his international commitments at the Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, Pochettino provided a fitness update on Nkunku during his pre-match press conference.
The Chelsea boss said, “It’s a shame but he is still recovering and we hope he can help the team as soon as possible. As can happen after a long-term injury, finding the balance is the most difficult thing. He suffered a little thing in his hip – a problem there – and is recovering. It’s not a big issue but it’s delayed the possibility of him being available for the group. It’s not a big issue.”
With Nkunku still unavailable, Conor Gallagher will reprise the no. 10 role, with Noni Madueke returning in the final third. The duo will join Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer in the Chelsea attack, with the latter playing as a makeshift striker.
As for the midfield unit, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo should pair up in the double pivot. The game might also see Cesare Casadei and Diego Moreira featuring in the Chelsea matchday squad if the Blues do not plan to haul the duo off on loan again this season.
Meanwhile, Axel Disasi should replace Malo Gusto as the right-back for the home side. His vacant spot at the heart of the defence should go to Benoit Badiashile, who will pair up with Thiago Silva in the centre-back partnership. Finally, Levi Colwill should be the left-back, with Djordje Petrovic deputising for Sanchez between the sticks.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Disasi, Thiago Silva, Badiashile, Colwill; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Gallagher, Sterling; Palmer
