Chelsea team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Liverpool

Mauricio Pochettino will endeavour to lift his first piece of silverware as Chelsea manager when his side lock horns with Liverpool in the EFL Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

The Blues have navigated their way past AFC Wimbledon, Brighton & Hove Albion, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and most recently Middlesbrough to reach their 10th showpiece event in this competition, coming from behind to thump Boro 6-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals.

Chelsea head to Wembley in buoyant mood having put together a three-game unbeaten run, including an admirable 1-1 draw away against Premier League champions Manchester City last weekend, but they will have to cope without a number of senior stars for their EFL Cup duel with Liverpool.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the contest with Jurgen Klopp's side.

Thiago Silva

Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Groin Possible return date: February 25 (vs. Liverpool)

Thiago Silva missed Chelsea's draw at Man City after sustaining a groin injury in the previous match against Crystal Palace. The 39-year-old defender's "minor injury" is due to be assessed ahead of the clash with Liverpool.

Robert Sanchez

Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: February 25 (vs. Liverpool)

Robert Sanchez has recovered from a long-term knee injury, but he was not deemed ready to play against Man City last weekend. However, the goalkeeper could be in a position to return to the matchday squad against Liverpool.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Ankle Possible return date: February 25 (vs. Liverpool)

Carney Chukwuemeka twisted his ankle during training last week which forced him to miss the draw at Man City, and it remains to be seen if the midfielder will be fit to return for Sunday's match.

Benoit Badiashile

Status: Out Type of injury: Groin Possible return date: March 11 (vs. Newcastle United)

Benoit Badiashile is nursing a groin problem and has subsequently missed the last two games, with the Frenchman not expected to return to action until the middle of next month at the earliest.

Wesley Fofana

Status: Out Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: Unknown

Wesley Fofana is yet to make a single appearance for Chelsea this season due to a long-term knee injury and the defender is facing a race against time to return before the end of the campaign.

Reece James

Status: Out Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: Unknown

Reece James underwent hamstring surgery just before Christmas and it remains to be seen whether the Chelsea captain will recover before the end of the season.

Romeo Lavia

Status: Out Type of injury: Thigh Possible return date: Unknown

Romeo Lavia, who has made just one substitute appearance since joining Chelsea last summer, is still recovering from a thigh injury that has kept him sidelined since the end of last year, and there is currently no timescale on his potential return.

Lesley Ugochukwu

Status: Out Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: Unknown

Lesley Ugochukwu sustained a hamstring injury in the loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Christmas Eve and it remains unknown as to when the midfielder could return to the first-team fold.

Marc Cucurella

Status: Out Type of injury: Ankle Possible return date: Unknown

Marc Cucurella last played for Chelsea in an away win at Everton in early December in which he sustained an ankle injury that required surgery. The left-back was pictured in light training last week, though, and it is thought that he is targeting a return at some stage next month.

CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST

Chelsea have no suspended players for this match.