Thomas Tuchel has named Edouard Mendy in his Chelsea side for this afternoon's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, but club-record signing Romelu Lukaku is only on the substitutes' bench.
The Blues – amid the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and owner Roman Abramovich handing over the running and decision-making powers at the club to its charitable foundation – are hoping to win their third trophy of the season at Wembley this afternoon.
Tuchel faced several big selection choices and has been bold with his decisions. Mendy's start is his first in the Carabao Cup this season and comes at the expense of Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has been between the post for the Blues in every previous round.
