Chelsea handed two big injury blows ahead of Liverpool clash in Carabao Cup final - but get huge boost

Chelsea have been delivered a fresh double injury blow ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on Sunday.

Mateo Kovacic and Hakim Ziyech are the two latest players to suffer setbacks and could be absent at Wembley.

What’s been said

The duo both suffered problems in the Blues' 2-0 Champions League victory over Lille at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

Kovacic was substituted in the 51st minute, with Ziyech being replaced nine minutes later.

Chelsea are already sweating on the fitness of Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi ahead of the clash with Liverpool.

Mason Mount did return to the bench against Lille after an ankle problem, though.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is unsure if Kovacic and Ziyech will be available to face the Reds but remains hopeful.

He said: “I don't know. I should have subbed Mateo Kovacic at half-time so could have had one more change.

“I have not spoken to the doctor about Hakim and hope it is not serious.

“Today is Tuesday, there are a lot of days to recover until Sunday.

“We don't like to have that many injuries and more impact from the bench on a tactical matter. I hope they will be ready for Sunday.”

Liverpool injury news

Liverpool could have strike duo Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino absent against Chelsea.

They’re in a race against time to feature at Wembley having suffered respective ankle and muscle injuries in the defeat of Inter Milan last week.

Both will miss tonight’s clash against Leeds United at Anfield, having missed Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Norwich City.