Courtois Might Miss Chelsea’s FA Cup Semi-Final Against Arsenal
After missing in action for two games, the Blues goal keeper hasn’t found his full fitness and also might miss the game against Arsenal. He could be replaced by his understudy once again.
Thibaut Courtois is set to miss Chelsea’s Carabao Cup semi-final against London rival Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. The second tie comes up Wednesday night.
The Belgium international is down with an ankle injury, having missed two Chelsea’s game. He joined in with first-team training on Tuesday.
However, Chelsea have opted not to take risks with his fitness as the Arsenal game comes too soon and Courtois joins Alvaro Morata and Cesc Fabregas on the sidelines.
Willy Caballero will continue to deputise for Courtois, with the Argentine having started last week’s FA Cup third-round replay against Norwich and Saturday’s 4-0 Premier League victory over Brighton.
Morata has an ongoing back complaint which will see him miss out, while Fabregas is thought to still not be available through a hamstring injury, despite taking some part in Tuesday’s training session.
Gary Cahill (hamstring) and Danny Drinkwater (ankle) will also likely return in some capacity, while Pedro is back from his one-game suspension after being sent off against Norwich.
The first leg finished 0-0 at Stamford Bridge, so the tie is finely balanced as Chelsea aim to set up a final clash with Manchester City, who overcame Bristol City on Tuesday night.
With Chelsea one match away from a return to Wembley, manager Antonio Conte is excited by the chance of reaching another final within two years of joining the club.
“For me, my players, for the fans, it’s an important target, especially for me,” he said.
“In my first year or so I have the opportunity to win the Premier League, play the FA Cup final and now I can play another final in the EFL Cup.
“To have this possibility to play many finals in this country, it is very important for me. To play the final we must get past Arsenal, which is always a big challenge. Arsenal will also want to go to the final.”
