BREAKING NEWS: Fabrizio Romano reports, “Take my words seriously as I intend to add more challenges to your already existing ones. Despite our injury concerns, let’s remain focused. One thing is certain: as long as we have eleven players, we’ll give it our all. That’s the promise.” Chelsea’s Pochettino issues a warning to Liverpool ahead of the Carabao Cup Final. Despite facing a depleted squad with nine first-team players sidelined due to injuries, Pochettino remains unfazed and assures that his team will give their best effort come Sunday’s final.

Pochettino has delivered a stern message to Liverpool, asserting that his Chelsea team will be fully committed in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, regardless of the available personnel.

Sunday afternoon will see Chelsea take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, marking the first chance for silverware in the English domestic season. This encounter serves as a rematch of the 2022 clash, which Liverpool clinched victory in after a tense 11-10 penalty shootout.

The unforgettable shootout saw Kepa Arrizabalaga being brought on in the final minute of extra time, specifically for the shootout, only to ultimately miss the decisive spot-kick with the score tied at 10-10. Both teams aim to avoid such drama this time, especially considering their subsequent fixture schedules following Sunday’s final. Ideally, they aim to settle the game within regular time, yet both managers face challenges in fielding their most experienced players due to injury concerns.

Chelsea and Liverpool both grapple with substantial injury lists ahead of this significant occasion, potentially robbing the clash of some top talents from both sides. While there will undoubtedly be a plethora of talent on display come Sunday, numerous players will remain sidelined, watching from home. Let’s examine the injury statuses of both squads:

Chelsea:

Reece James: Out with a thigh injury, expected to return in March or April.
Thiago Silva: Dealing with a groin injury, missed the match against Manchester City, uncertainty remains regarding his availability for the final.
Marc Cucurella: Nursing an ankle injury, currently training individually, slated to return in March.
Benoit Badiashile: Recovering from a groin injury, anticipated to be back in action in March.
Wesley Fofana: Rehabilitating from an ACL injury, targeted to return in April.
Carney Chukwuemeka: Battling an ankle injury, severity yet to be determined.
Lesley Ugochukwu: Hindered by a thigh injury, return date remains unknown.
Robert Sanchez: Dealing with a knee injury, expected to return against Man City but was not in the squad.
Romeo Lavia: Struggling with a thigh injury, still not participating in first-team training.