League Cup Final preview: Chelsea v. Arsenal

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.

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