Chelsea face lingering uncertainties over Thiago Silva’s availability as they grapple with a lengthy injury roster ahead of today’s Carabao Cup final clash against Liverpool.
The seasoned Brazilian center-back has been racing against the clock to recover from a groin injury sustained nearly two weeks ago in the 3-1 victory against Crystal Palace. However, Silva’s participation in the showpiece event at Wembley remains uncertain.
Alongside Silva, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, and Marc Cucurella are also doubtful, leaving manager Mauricio Pochettino with limited defensive options.
Despite some positive signs with Cucurella rejoining partial team training, Chelsea still grapple with an eight-man injury list. Liverpool, too, contends with multiple absences, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, and Alisson Becker, while Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Dominik Szoboszlai face late fitness assessments.
Chelsea is expected to maintain their lineup from the 1-1 draw against Manchester City, with Djordje Petrovic retaining his place in goal and a back four comprising Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill, and Ben Chilwell.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Conor Gallagher are set to feature, while Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Raheem Sterling are anticipated to lead the attack.
On the bench, Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Noni Madueke offer alternative options for Pochettino during the final.
Possible Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Chilwell; Fernandez, Gallagher, Caicedo; Palmer, Jackson, Sterling
Doubt: Silva
Injuries: James, Cucurella, Fofana, Ugochukwu, Lavia, Badiashile, Chukwuemeka
Time and date: 3pm GMT on Sunday February 25, 2024
Venue: Wembley Stadium
