Chelsea vs. Arsenal Team News: Rosenior Sweats Over Last-Minute Injury Decisions as Blues Finalize Starting XI
Enzo Fernández's crucial late goal on Saturday night pushed Chelsea's victory streak to five matches under Liam Rosenior's leadership.
The Blues found themselves trailing 2–0 at halftime against relegation-battling West Ham United, but Rosenior's tactical adjustments during the break enabled the hosts to reverse their fortunes.
Enzo Maresca's replacement is gradually earning the trust of a doubtful supporter base, and should he orchestrate another stunning turnaround in north London, there would certainly be minimal remaining doubts about Rosenior's ability to manage at elite level.
Chelsea entered the opening leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final versus Arsenal with key players missing, making the 3–2 loss potentially not the most damaging outcome. Nevertheless, the challenge facing them on Tuesday evening remains enormous.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Cole Palmer has lately bounced back from a slight thigh problem and was included in Chelsea's starting eleven over the weekend. Marc Cucurella, João Pedro and Reece James all appeared as substitutes, likely with this match in consideration.
Rosenior lacks multiple defenders and midfield players for the return leg. Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo are unavailable at center-back, while Dário Essugo and Roméo Lavia are sidelined in the middle of the park.
Jamie Gittens presents another worry after being substituted during the opening period of Saturday's thrilling comeback win. Estêvão, on the other hand, has been away in Brazil on compassionate leave for family matters and his availability for this match remains uncertain.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sánchez—How crucial might Sánchez's stop to thwart Mikel Merino turn out to be? If Merino had netted a fourth in the opening leg, Chelsea would be traveling to the Emirates Stadium requiring a near-impossible feat.
RB: Reece James—James was one of the notable first leg absences, having delivered an exceptional display in the initial Premier League encounter with Arsenal in late November.
CB: Wesley Fofana—Rosenior has rotated his central defenders during the early stages of his tenure, possibly still determining his preferred partnership. Fofana had difficulties in Naples recently but might be brought back against the Gunners.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah—Chalobah has been Chelsea's most impressive center-back this campaign, and the English defender, who now harbors World Cup ambitions, will maintain his place in the starting lineup.
LB: Marc Cucurella—The Spanish fullback played a role in Saturday's revival, heading in the leveling goal. Bukayo Saka's absence means Cucurella might come up against former colleague Noni Madueke in north London.
CM: Moisés Caicedo—Caicedo missed the first leg at Stamford Bridge due to suspension, but he's cleared for Tuesday's encounter. He'll sense he has significant ground to make up, considering his dismissal against Arsenal in November.
CM: Andrey Santos—The additional strength in midfield could prove vital for Chelsea, with Santos's inclusion allowing Enzo Fernández to operate in more advanced positions.
RW: Cole Palmer—Palmer didn't reach his usual standards on Saturday, but Rosenior would be taking a risk to exclude his star player from such a crucial match. He might shift back to the right flank here, considering limited options.
AM: Enzo Fernández—Chelsea's hero from the weekend is maturing nicely, with his adaptability enabling him to excel in various midfield positions under the new coach.
LW: Pedro Neto—Alejandro Garnacho's double gives Chelsea hope, but the Argentine was subdued at the weekend and might be replaced by the equally attacking-minded Neto on the left flank.
ST: João Pedro—Pedro's outstanding form streak continued at the weekend, finding the net as a substitute to spark Chelsea's fightback. He's thriving under the new management.