Chelsea will be hoping for a major fitness boost as they prepare to host Premier League leaders Arsenal in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tonight. The highly-anticipated clash at Stamford Bridge offers new head coach Liam Rosenior a chance to make a significant statement.
Team News: Chelsea's Fitness Race
Chelsea are optimistic that key duo Cole Palmer and Reece James will be available for selection after missing Saturday's 5-1 FA Cup victory over Charlton Athletic. The pair, along with Malo Gusto, were rested as a precaution following minor knocks sustained in last week's defeat to Fulham.
Their potential return is a timely boost for Rosenior, who is expected to field his strongest possible side against Mikel Arteta's Gunners. The match is set to provide the clearest indication yet of the new boss's preferred starting eleven, particularly in attack where the choice between Joao Pedro and Liam Delap remains open.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo will serve a suspension after his red card in the 1-1 league draw between these sides in November. This likely opens the door for Andrey Santos to partner Enzo Fernandez once more, though Reece James is also an option after impressing in a central role during that previous encounter.
Defender Marc Cucurella is also back available after serving a one-match ban of his own.
Arsenal's Injury Concerns
Arsenal arrive in West London with their own selection headaches. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Tuesday that defender William Saliba and forward Leandro Trossard are both injury doubts for the trip.
The Gunners' defensive options are further stretched, with Riccardo Calafiori still not ready to return from an injury that has kept him out of the last five matches. To compound matters, Piero Hincapie has joined the treatment table, leaving Arteta with Myles Lewis-Skelly as his only recognised left-back option. Cristhian Mosquera continues his recovery from an ankle issue.
Predicted Lineups and Tactical Decisions
For Chelsea, Rosenior's biggest midfield dilemma appears to be whether to deploy James or Santos alongside Fernandez. Further forward, Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro, who were rested at the weekend, are strong candidates to return to the starting lineup.
Arsenal's potential absence of Trossard could see Gabriel Martinelli handed a start after his hat-trick against Portsmouth in the FA Cup. The return of Kai Havertz to the bench in that match also presents Arteta with an interesting alternative to striker Viktor Gyokeres, alongside Gabriel Jesus and Mikel Merino. However, given his recent layoff, Arteta may be cautious about starting the German against his former club.
If Saliba is ruled out, Jurrien Timber could be shifted into a central defensive role once again.
The Carabao Cup semi-final first leg between Chelsea and Arsenal kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday 14 January. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming available via Sky Go and NOW TV for subscribers.
