Enzo Fernandez and Reece James will return to the Chelsea starting lineup when they host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in the EFL Cup semi-final first round on Wednesday.
Chelsea will aim to take a step closer to the EFL Cup final when they welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge for the semi-final first leg on Wednesday night. Liam Rosenior has a new issue to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Moises Caicedo is unavailable, as he will serve a suspension due to an accumulation of yellow cards in the previous rounds of the EFL Cup. Meanwhile, Rosenior has been sweating over the fitness of Malo Gusto, Reece James, and Cole Palmer.
Additionally, Levi Colwill (knee), Dario Essugo (hamstring), and Romeo Lavia (thigh) remain in the treatment room. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Rosenior discussed the fitness situations of Gusto, James, and Palmer. The English tactician also spoke about Caicedo’s impending absence.
The Chelsea boss said, “Obviously, Moi is suspended – and he was marvellous in the last game – but we’ve had no injury problems coming out from Charlton, which is a really, really good thing. I’ll make a decision on Cole, Reece and Malo tomorrow; I’m giving them some extra time. I appreciate that doing the press conference two days before is not ideal – sorry about that – but I’ve got time to make a decision [as to whether they are available].”
“They’re being managed and it was a good time for them to rest in the FA Cup game. I believe in this group, and there is no reason to take risks on players’ health if you believe that we can win the game. It means they can come through and get extra training sessions and extra bits of work, and that’s the way it’s worked out so far.”
Filip Jorgensen will retain his spot between the sticks, with Chelsea lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Arsenal on Wednesday. The backline will feature Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella. Josh Acheampong will start as the right-back if Gusto is not fit to start.
As for the midfield unit, Enzo Fernandez will replace Moises Caicedo, with Reece James joining him in the double pivot. Andrey Santos will wait in the wings if James is not fit enough. Cole Palmer will reprise the no. 10 role, with Pedro Neto and Estevao Willian being the two wide attackers. Finally, Liam Delap will lead the line for the home side against Arsenal on Wednesday.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Delap