Chelsea go in search of their second piece of silverware this month when they face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday at Wembley Stadium.
The Blues have already won the FIFA Club World Cup this month and will be hoping to add to their trophy cabinet with a victory over the Reds, although they could be without a few first team players for this crucial tie.
Thomas Tuchel’s side struggled to come away unscathed from their UEFA Champions League Last 16 first leg tie with Lille on Tuesday as a couple of players limped off the field.
And that now means that the Blues have five injury concerns heading into the weekend, but a few could be back in time to feature in the Wembley squad.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at Stamford Bridge and the expected return dates for those out on the sidelines.
Will Chelsea be strong enough to beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
Reece James
Defender Reece James could finally be set for his Chelsea comeback on Sunday after missing out over the past two months with a hamstring injury he sustained in the December 29 draw with Brighton.
However, James has dramatically stepped up his recovery and made excellent progress, since being earmarked for a return this weekend.
On Friday, Tuchel said: "He looked brilliant in the last two training sessions. Let's wait another session and let's see if I'm crazy enough to put him on the pitch."
Mateo Kovacic
Mateo Kovacic limped off the field in Tuesday’s victory over Lille and there are now real concerns as to whether he will be fit enough in time to face Liverpool on Sunday.
It is thought that he picked up some kind of knock, causing him to be substituted after 51 minutes, but Tuchel is remaining hopeful that he can still be available for selection this weekend.
Following the Lille victory on Tuesday, Tuchel said: "Today is Tuesday, the League Cup final is on Sunday so hopefully it won’t be too bad and we will have enough time to recover players in time for another big game."
Hakim Ziyech
Hakim Ziyech was another player who was forced off with a knock during Tuesday’s game, with the Moroccan managing just 60 minutes of the tie.
The extent of the injury is unclear but it is hoped to not be too serious, although he is facing a battle to be fit in time for Sunday, while he also left the field with an expression that suggested it could be worse than just a knock.
However, Tuchel insists that there are enough days to recover ahead of the Carabao Cup final, although a late call could be made on Ziyech’s involvement.
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Winger Callum Hudson-Odoi missed out on Tuesday’s Champions League fixture due to suffering with an achilles injury.
The 21-year-old had already missed out on the previous game with the same problem, but returned to training on Thursday with the hope that he could be available in time for Sunday’s cup final.
It is hoped that because he missed out on Tuesday’s game, he will have had extra time to recover and it could just be a case of match fitness and whether he will be up to standards ahead of the weekend.
Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell continues to be ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury he sustained in the 4-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Juventus in November.
The left back required surgery in December and it has therefore put him out for the long run.
However, Chilwell is well underway with his rehabilitation and is making good progress, but an unexpected early return before the end of the season remains unlikely.
