Reece James and Pedro Neto have missed Chelsea’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal after failing fitness tests.
Speaking before kick-off, Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior said that he is hopeful James and Neto will be available for his side’s game away to Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday.
‘Reece [James] and Pedro [Neto] had fitness tests but aren’t available which is a shame,’ Rosenior said.
‘Hopefully they are back for the next one.
‘We need to be careful with Cole [Palmer] and think about the possibility of extra-time, we have to manage him. I have full faith in the XI and the bench.’
Arsenal vs Chelsea team news
Arsenal: Kepa, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Eze, Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres.
Subs: Raya, Mosquera, White, Jesus, Norgaard, Trossard, Havertz, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly
Chelsea: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella, Caicedo, Andrey Santos, Enzo, Delap, Joao Pedro.
Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Badiashile, Holland, Palmer, Estevao, Garnacho, Guiu, Mheuka.
Rosenior has made four changes to his side from the 3-2 comeback win against West Ham on Saturday.
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Wesley Fofana comes in for Benoit Badiashile, while Marc Cucurella starts as a wing-back on the left flank.
Andrey Santos starts in midfield, while in attack, Joao Pedro starts alongside Liam Delap.
Cole Palmer, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens are dropped to the bench.
Chelsea appear to be lining up with a back five for the first time in Rosenior’s reign.
Chelsea head into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final looking to overturn a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal from the first leg at Stamford Bridge.
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