Injury Update: Key Players Out for Chelsea vs Liverpool in Carabao Cup Final
As the Carabao Cup final scheduled for 25 February 2024 approaches, Chelsea and Liverpool are in a race against time to have their injured players fit in time for the final. Both clubs possess long injury lists, with many key players sidelined. With the return of many in massive doubt, let’s take a look at the list of crucial players the two teams might miss on the night.
Chelsea:
Mauricio Pochettino’s return to the Premier League as Chelsea’s manager has been a period plagued with issues. The unending list of injuries are merely the tip of the iceberg.
On 25th February, Chelsea are set to be without the services of Wesley Fofana. His devastating knee injury earlier this season brought his 2023/24 campaign to a premature end. Chelsea will also miss club captain Reece James. James has been tormented by hamstring injuries throughout last year. His hamstring surgery in December meant that the 23-year-old is ruled out at least till mid-March, depending on his recovery speed.
Mauricio’s men will also woe the absence of left-back Marc Cucurella. The ex-Barcelona man severely sprained his ankle against Everton on 10th December. Young midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu who burst onto the scene earlier this season will also miss the final at Wembley Stadium with a hamstring sprain.
Chelsea academy graduate Levi Cowill’s hamstring strain prior to the FA Cup match against Aston Villa also puts his availability for the game against Liverpool in doubt. The Blues also lost center back Benoit Badiashile to a strain and he is unlikely to return in time for the final. Veteran Thiago Silva sustained a groin injury in February and is doubtful to start at Wembley. Yet, the Chelsea backroom seems positive about the Brazilian’s recovery in time for the final.
However, there might be some light at the end of the tunnel for Chelsea. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and summer signing Roméo Lavia are expected to recover from their injuries just in time for the game. Although, they might not be deemed fit enough to start in their respective positions. Lavia, especially, seems to have had complications with his injury as he missed training this week.
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Liverpool:
Jürgen Klopp’s last season at the helm of Liverpool has been marred with injuries. Yet, The Reds find themselves in a commanding position across all tournaments as the business end of the season nears. Now, with the first final of the campaign approaching, Klopp’s men will have to charge into battle without key players.
Experienced campaigner Joel Matip ruptured his ACL against Fulham. The severity of Matip’s injury meant that he had to undergo surgery. The Germany born defender was ruled out till the end of the season. Another experienced campaigner, Thiago Alcantara will also remain absent for the Reds. The Spaniard has missed most of the season and got injured yet again on his return from injury in February. His return is unknown and he will certainly miss the final.
Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool had a revelation in midfield last season, as Stefan Bajcetic’s majestic football dazzled the Kop. However, a recurring adductor issue has ruled out the Spaniard for most of the season. Bajcetic is unlikely to return for the final at Wembley. He will be accompanied on the sidelines by Hungarian sensation Dominik Szoboszlai. His recent thigh niggle could see him spend nearly 4 weeks on the sidelines. Szoboszlai has been the engine of Liverpool in the middle in the absence of Thiago and ex-captain Jordan Henderson.
Liverpool will dearly miss the services of vice captain Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alisson Becker. Trent was rushed back from his knee injury and after a recurrence is set to miss the tie against Chelsea. Goalkeeper Alisson beck’s hamstring injury will also sideline him for the cup final. The duo of Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota are the latest casualties for Liverpool as they sustained injuries in Liverpool’s tie against Brentford. They, too, will miss the game at Wembley.
Chelsea vs Liverpool: A Cracking Carabao Cup Final Awaits
With the game less than 3 weeks away, both teams will eagerly wait for their key men to return to the squad. Mauricio’s time at Chelsea has been torrid and a trophy could change that. Klopp’s Liverpool are in the title race of the Premier League and would love to get to win another trophy before the last few match days in the league. Despite injuries, the Carabao Cup final is set to be a cracker as both Chelsea and Liverpool are desperate to get their hands on the trophy.
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