Chelsea and Liverpool with injury issues for cup final - predicted line-ups

The Blues and the Reds have over 15 first-team options missing between them as they clash for the chance to win this season's first trophy at Wembley.

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

Pochettino made two changes from their win over Crystal Palace in Saturday'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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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, with the club also boosted by the return of Mohamed Salah.

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 completion 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.

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 on Sunday.

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.

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.

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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.