Full Chelsea squad revealed vs Liverpool with Thiago Silva question and huge midfield problem
Mauricio Pochettino, like Jurgen Klopp, will be dealing without a host of crucial players for the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. As has been the case for much of the season, Chelsea's squad continues to be decimated by injury.
With a busy week for the academy sides as well, the Blues have some big calls to make on game day. Unfortunately for Pochettino, he also isn't set to be welcoming back many of the absentees too soon.
As well as missing an entire backline — Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, and Marc Cucurella — there are problems in midfield. Lesley Ugochukwu has been out since before Christmas and Romeo Lavia only managed half an hour in his only appearance before being ruled out for a second lengthy period.
The result is that despite welcoming back Christopher Nkunku, Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill, and Malo Gusto in recent weeks, there is a severe lack of depth to the group. Add in that returned loanee Cesare Casadei is cup-tied, and Pochettino's starting XI will have to do most of the heavy lifting.
Robert Sanchez could return to the squad having not made the bench against Manchester City despite being labelled as available by his head coach. The Spaniard isn't expected to replace Djordje Petrovic from the get-go. With a dearth of other options from the wider senior selection, Pochettino may well name a third goalkeeper on his bench, as has been common for most of the season.
Thiago Silva is the big one that could still come back. He is being assessed ahead of the game after going off against Crystal Palace in the second half nearly a fortnight ago. Without the Brazilian there could be even more demand on the club's academy.
Every word Mauricio Pochettino said on Chelsea vs Liverpool, Silva, Klopp
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