Maurizio Sarri confirmed that N’Golo Kante will miss out on Thursday as Chelsea aim to overcome Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League semi-final.
After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the Europa League semi-final between Chelsea and Eintracht Frankfurt is evenly poised, with Chelsea having a slim advantage, thanks to the away goal they earned in Germany. But, Maurizio Sarri’s cause has not been helped, with N’Golo Kante set to miss the Stamford Bridge match-up.
Kepa Arrizabalaga should continue to be in goal for Chelsea and will hope to have a clean performance on Thursday, with Chelsea in line for their first trophy under Maurizio Sarri. The defence could be a little shaky, with Antonio Rudiger absent.
But, the pairing of David Luiz and Andreas Christensen were up to the task against Watford as Chelsea confirmed their top four finish in the Premier League and the duo should start against Frankfurt.
Emerson Palmieri and Cesar Azpilicueta should complete the back four. In midfield, Chelsea have been dealt a body blow before the match, with N’Golo Kante injured and set to miss the crucial semi-final tie, something Maurizio Sarri confirmed in his pre-match conference.
“He had a problem with his hamstring. It was not very serious but he needs to rest for a couple of weeks. We can try to recover him for the final if we make it.”
Jorginho will be the prime focus in majority of the Chelsea build-ups. The Italian should have Ruben Loftus-Cheek for company. The youngster was the one who created the away goal that currently hands Chelsea a slim advantage and has been in some form whenever provided a chance by Sarri.
Ross Barkley and Mateo Kovacic will vie for the spot left vacant by Kante’s injury. But, the latter should get the nod, considering he is more experienced in European competitions.
Eden Hazard has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Chelsea. But, the focus will now be on perhaps having a shot at winning his final piece of silverware with Chelsea and capping his Blues career off with a trophy he has never won. Olivier Giroud should get the nod owing to his Europa League record this season.
The last spot should be a toss-up between Pedro and Willian, with the former likely to be preferred thanks to his industry and work-rate.
