Jump directly to the content

The Premier League's two biggest injury-hit sides, Chelsea and Liverpool, will meet in the Carabao Cup final this afternoon.

The Blues and the Reds have nearly 20 first-team options struggling between them as they clash for the chance to win this season's first trophy at Wembley.

Liverpool smashed Chelsea when they met at the end of January
7
Liverpool smashed Chelsea when they met at the end of JanuaryCredit: Getty

The extensive list, headlined by England duo Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold, has refused to let up all season.

The availability of both team's first-choice goalkeepers is also a doubt as the two teams challenge for the major silverware.

Chelsea and Liverpool's injury worries

Chelsea

Thiago Silva - Groin (could return)

Reece James - Hamstring

Wesley Fofana - Knee

Lesley Ugochukwu - Hamstring

Marc Cucurella - Ankle

Romeo Lavia - Thigh

Benoit Badiashile - Groin

Carney Chukwuemeka

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah - Fatigue (could return)

Darwin Nunez - Knock (could return)

Trent Alexander-Arnold - Knee

Diogo Jota - Knee

Alisson Becker - Hamstring

Curtis Jones - Shin

Thiago Alcantara - Muscle

Dominik Szoboszlai - Hamstring (could return)

Ben Doak - Knee

Joel Matip - Knee

Stefan Bajcetic - Calf

Chelsea

Pochettino made two changes from their win over Crystal Palace in last weekend's draw at Manchester City as injuries forced a rejig at the back.

Levi Colwill replaced veteran Thiago Silva at centre-back and Raheem Sterling seized his chance after coming in for Noni Madueke.

Read more on Carabao Cup

Chelsea's back-four will now get the chance to build some rhythm while first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez could make his comeback.

Sanchez hasn't played since a 2-0 defeat to Everton in December, with Dorde Petrovic impressing between the sticks since then.

Sanchez is bidding to reclaim his Chelsea spot
7
Sanchez is bidding to reclaim his Chelsea spotCredit: Getty

However, the 26-year-old was Pochettino's undisputed No.1 before then and will likely come back in following his return.

Elsewhere, captain James remains out and Benoit Badiashile is sidelined after suffering a groin injury against Aston Villa this month.

His replacement Thiago Silva sustained his own injury shortly afterwards, which has allowed Colwill to make his case to form a partnership with Axel Disasi.

Colwill, who has struggled this season playing in an unorthodox left-back role in Ben Chilwell's absence, will now get the nod at Wembley.

Mark Goldbridge questions if Nicholas Jackson is good enough to be Chelsea's main striker
Sterling's goal made City work for their point as he refused to celebrate
7
Sterling's goal made City work for their point as he refused to celebrateCredit: Getty

In midfield, Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo have established themselves as Pochettino's preferred trio.

Likewise in attack, Sterling scored on his return to the starting line-up against City, and will support Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson against another of his former sides.

Christopher Nkunku remains an option if Pochettino wants to tinker with his front-three as the Frenchman finally looks to get his Chelsea career kickstarted following several injuries.

Chelsea's approach unsettled Man City
7
Chelsea's approach unsettled Man City

Liverpool

The Reds are in the midst of an extensive injury crisis, added to by both Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones leaving Brentford's stadium on crutches.

Darwin Nunez was also substituted at the break, sparking fresh injury fears over the striker, but Klopp confirmed the move was precautionary.

The Uruguayan is still in line to lead Liverpool's attack in the final, while Mohamed Salah will hope to have recovered from fatigue.

Both played no part in the 4-1 win over Luton as Klopp elected to take no risks.

Cody Gakpo is an option should Nunez fail to be passed fit, but Jota's injury has meant Luis Diaz will start from the left.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is nursing a hamstring issue, but the Carabao Cup has always been Caoimhin Kelleher's competition under Klopp.

Kelleher started the 2022 final against Chelsea and will be again between the sticks even if the club's No.1 keeper is passed fit.

Kelleher helped Liverpool to secure the Carabao Cup in 2022
7
Kelleher helped Liverpool to secure the Carabao Cup in 2022Credit: Getty

Liverpool will be without Alexander-Arnold, with the club’s vice-captain sidelined again after aggravating a knee injury.

Conor Bradley has flourished during Alexander-Arnold’s absences this year and will rival Joe Gomez for the right-back spot today.

Gomez is also available to play in central defence, but Ibrahima Konate will partner Virgil van Dijk due to Joel Matip's long-term injury.

Liverpool were hit with a big treble injury blow against Brentford
7
Liverpool were hit with a big treble injury blow against BrentfordCredit: Getty

Klopp's biggest decision may come in midfield, with Dominik Szoboszlai facing a race against time to return.

The Hungarian's injury woes this year coupled with Jones' recent issue may lead to caution over his comeback to the starting XI.

Read More on talkSPORT

Alexis Mac Allister will then deputise as one of Liverpool’s two No.8s in midfield, with Wataru Endo deployed as the holding midfielder.

Ryan Gravenberch is in line to be the chief beneficiary from Liverpool's injury problems as he comes in from the left.

Liverpool's recent injuries have seen several changes to their starting XI
7
Liverpool's recent injuries have seen several changes to their starting XI
Topics