Injury Concerns Loom for Chelsea and Liverpool Ahead of Cup Final: Projected Starting XIs
The highly anticipated Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool is fast approaching, but both teams are facing significant injury concerns. With over 15 first-team players missing between them, it will be a battle of attrition as these two injury-hit sides vie for the chance to lift the season’s first trophy at Wembley.
Chelsea’s injury list is extensive, with key players such as Reece James and Thiago Silva among those sidelined. Silva, who has been nursing a groin injury, could potentially make a return for the final. However, James, who has been dealing with a hamstring issue, will not be available. The absence of these influential players presents a challenge for Chelsea as they look to solidify their defense.
Liverpool is also grappling with numerous injury setbacks. Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of the team’s star defenders, continues to be sidelined with a knee injury. Additionally, Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones both left a recent match on crutches, further depleting Liverpool’s options. However, there is some positive news for the Reds as Darwin Nunez is expected to lead the attack in the final, and Mohamed Salah is set to make his return.
In terms of goalkeeping, both teams have concerns. Alisson Becker, Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper, is nursing a hamstring injury. However, Caoimhin Kelleher has proven himself in previous Carabao Cup finals and is likely to start between the sticks. On Chelsea’s side, Robert Sanchez could make his comeback after a long absence. Sanchez has been out of action since December but was previously Pochettino’s preferred goalkeeper.
With so many key players missing, both teams will need to rely on their depth and tactical adjustments. Chelsea has already made changes to their backline, with Levi Colwill replacing Thiago Silva at center-back. Raheem Sterling has also seized his chance in the starting lineup and will be a key attacking option for Chelsea. In midfield, Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo have established themselves as Pochettino’s preferred trio.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will need to make adjustments in defense and midfield. Without Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez will compete for the right-back spot. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate is set to partner Virgil van Dijk in central defense due to Joel Matip’s long-term injury. In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai’s fitness remains a question mark, but Alexis Mac Allister is prepared to step in alongside Wataru Endo as Liverpool’s two No.8s.
Injuries can often disrupt a team’s rhythm and strategy, but both Chelsea and Liverpool have shown resilience throughout the season. While the absence of key players is undoubtedly a blow, it also presents an opportunity for others to step up and make their mark on the final. With the Carabao Cup at stake, expect a hard-fought battle between these two injury-hit giants of English football.