- Chelsea have been dealt another injury blow ahead of the Arsenal game
- Thibaut Courtois is now expected to miss the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg
- Alvaro Morata and Cesc Fabregas have also already been ruled out
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Chelsea have reportedly been dealt a third major injury blow ahead of tonight’s crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg tie against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Evening Standard claim Thibaut Courtois is now expected to miss the tie due to an ankle injury, meaning Willy Caballero will have to deputise in goal again.
In fairness, the veteran Argentine put in a decent display against Brighton at the weekend, so Blues supporters will be hoping Courtois is not too badly missed.
It’s far from ideal preparation for Antonio Conte, however, who is already set to be without first-choice striker Alvaro Morata as well as Cesc Fabregas in midfield.
Having drawn the home leg 0-0, it’s vital that Chelsea get a win tonight or else they’re likely to rely on an away goal in extra time or a penalty shoot-out to secure a place at Wembley for the final against Manchester City.
Courtois is said to have returned to training this week but Conte does not view it as a risk worth taking to include him in his starting XI this evening.
The Belgium international has been one of Chelsea’s most important players in recent seasons and is just the kind of big name you’d want involved in a cup semi-final.
Earlier today, Spanish source Don Balon reported even more worrying news that the 25-year-old shot-stopper was also looking to leave Stamford Bridge and move to Real Madrid.