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11 Chelsea Key Players to Miss Carabao Cup semi-final vs Middlesbrough Today

Published

1 year ago

January 23, 2024

11 Chelsea Key Players to Miss Carabao Cup semi-final vs Middlesbrough Today

In what seems to be Mauricio Pochettino‘s biggest game of his tenure at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will play without their eleven key players against Middlesbrough in the deciding leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, having suffered two blows ahead of the game.

Chelsea head into the game knowing that victory will book their place at Wembley next month. The Blues are currently 1-0 down after an uninspiring performance at the Riverside Stadium two weeks ago.

Mauricio Pochettino has already labelled the fixture the biggest of his tenure at Stamford Bridge with the Argentine chasing his first trophy success in England.

Chelsea players to miss Carabao Cup semi-final vs Middlesbrough

Unfortunately for Chelsea, they remain without a long list of players. In fact, nine players will miss the game through injury with Cesare Casadei and Andrey Santos cup-tied after returning from their respective loan spells at Leicester City and Nottingham Forest.

On Monday, Pochettino faced the media and was on hand to provide the latest team news ahead of the visit from Michael Carrick’s team. Summer signings Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia are unavailable for selection as their slow start to life in the capital continues.

“No. No, he’s not available for tomorrow,” Pochettino confirmed on Nkunku. “It’s a shame but he’s in recovery. I hope as soon as possible he can be ready again and help the team.”

Speaking on Nkunku’s hip injury, he added: “With long-term injuries, finding the balance is the most difficult thing and he suffered a little bit with his hip. Some problems there and now he’s recovering.

“Not a big issue but we’re waiting on the possibility again for him to be ready for the group.”

Pochettino also confirmed that Malo Gusto would be absent meaning Chelsea will go into the clash with no natural right-back.

Also, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, and Lesley Ugochukwu all remain out for the second leg, as does Trevoh Chalobah who has returned to training but won’t be ready.

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