League Cup Final preview: Chelsea v. Arsenal
Matt The Blue |
John Terry is expected to start.
Chelsea released a statement this afternoon confirming that Terry came through a full training session today and is fit to play after recovering from an ankle ligament injury picked up against Porto in midweek.
“Today John felt a big improvement in his ankle and requested that the medical department performed a fitness test. On passing this test he was put into a full training session and was able to train fully,” said club doctor Bryan English.
In contrast there are reports that Frank Lampard is suffering from a virus and could miss out.
Jose Mourinho will be able to include Arjen Robben in his squad after the Dutchman was passed fit following a tight hamstring which saw him miss the second half on Wednesday.
Ashley Cole could also feature after he came through a reserve team outing the same evening.
Arsene Wenger is expected to keep faith with the younger members of his squad who have led Arsenal to the final.
Full-backs Justin Hoyte and Gael Clichy will have late fitness tests.
The Gunners have not beaten Chelsea since a 1-2 victory in the Premiership at Stamford Bridge on 21st February 2004.
The last time Chelsea met Arsenal in the League Cup was in a fourth round tie at Highbury in 1998. The Blues won 5-0.