How Chelsea lined up against Liverpool in 2022 Carabao Cup final with just TWO of starting XI still at club
JUST two members of Chelsea’s 2022 Carabao Cup final starting XI remain at the club.
The Blues will face Liverpool in a repeat of their clash from two years ago at Wembley on February 25.
PATwo members of Chelsea’s 2022 Carabao Cup final line-up are still at the club[/caption]
Liverpool ended their 10-year wait to win the competition by defeating Chelsea 11-10 on penalties following a goalless 120 minutes of action.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side booked their place in the final by thrashing Middlesbrough 6-1 on Tuesday to advance 6-2 on aggregate.
Meanwhile, the Reds edged past Fulham on Wednesday to complete the final line-up.
Whilst 14 of Liverpool’s matchday squad from 2022 remain at the club, Chelsea’s overhaul under Todd Boehly has left their team looking almost completely different.
Only six players are still at the club, with two out on loan, and just two remaining from the starting line-up.
Here is a look at where their cup final side are now.
Edouard Mendy
Edouard Mendy was withdrawn before the end of extra-time after keeping a clean sheet at Wembley two years ago.
The Senegal goalkeeper remained at Stamford Bridge until last summer, before completing a switch to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
Marc Aspland – The TimesEdouard Mendy was withdrawn for Kepa Arrizabalaga before the penalty shootout[/caption]
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Trevoh Chalobah
One of two players remaining from the side, Trevoh Chalobah enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2021/22.
However, a long-term thigh injury has ruled him out for the entirety of the current campaign, with his last appearance coming in May.
Trevoh Chalobah is one of two players from the starting XI still at ChelseaGetty
Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva also remains in West London after signing a one-year contract extension in February 2023.
The veteran defender, 39, has made 24 appearances this term and has been a key man for Pochettino.
Thiago Silva also remains at Stamford Bridge two years onRichard Pelham / The Sun
Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger’s contract situation was already a long-running talking point by the time of the 2022 final.
The Blues were unable to agree a new deal with the German and he went on to join Real Madrid in the summer, where he still plays today.
Antonio Rudiger left Chelsea for Real Madrid at the end of the 2021/22 seasonGetty
Cesar Azpilicueta
Chelsea’s captain last time they reached the Carabao Cup final, Cesar Azpilicueta was forced off injured before the hour mark.
The Spaniard’s 11-year spell with the Blues came to an end last summer as he departed for Atletico Madrid on a free transfer.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta was forced off injured at WembleyRichard Pelham / The Sun
N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante also remained at Stamford Bridge for the club’s underwhelming 2022/23 campaign.
However, the World Cup winner moved on at the end of the season, joining Saudi champions Al-Ittihad on a three-year deal.
N’Golo Kante joined Saudi champions Al-Ittihad in the summerGetty
Mateo Kovacic
Kante was joined in midfield by Mateo Kovacic at Wembley and the Croatian partnered him once again last term.
Manchester City swooped for the 29-year-old in the summer, though, completing a £30million deal for Kovacic, who has made 24 appearances since.
ReutersMateo Kovacic now plays for treble winners Manchester City[/caption]
Marcos Alonso
Marcos Alonso won six major trophies with Chelsea as well as reaching two cup finals in 2022.
The full-back returned to Spain that summer, moving on a free transfer to Barcelona, where his contract expires at the end of this season.
Marc Aspland – The TimesMarcos Alonso scored in the penalty shootout[/caption]
Mason Mount
Academy graduate Mason Mount was withdrawn during the second half at Wembley as Chelsea pushed for a breakthrough.
After 18 years with the club, the 25-year-old moved to Manchester United last summer, but injuries have limited him to just 12 appearances for the Red Devils.
Mason Mount was sold to Manchester United last summer after 18 years at ChelseaGetty
Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic was substituted alongside Mount during the final 20 minutes as part of a Chelsea double change.
The USA international left for AC Milan in a £20million deal last summer and has since scored seven goals for the Italian giants.
ReutersChristian Pulisic is now starring in Italy for AC Milan[/caption]
Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz lead the line against Liverpool at Wembley after scoring the winner in the Champions League final nine months earlier.
He stayed at the club until the end of last season before joining London rivals Arsenal for £65million.
Marc Aspland – The TimesKai Havertz joined London rivals Arsenal at the end of last season[/caption]
Substitutes
Two players from the Chelsea bench remain at the club, including unused sub Malang Sarr.
Club captain Reece James was also on the bench, replacing Azpilicueta during the second half.
Kepa Arrizabalaga and Romelu Lukaku are still on the Blues’ books, but are currently on loan at Real Madrid and Roma, respectively.
The Spanish keeper replaced Mendy for the shootout, only to fail to save a spot-kick before missing himself to hand the victory to Liverpool.
Elsewhere, Jorginho is at Arsenal, Ruben Loftus-Cheek plays for Milan and Callum Hudson-Odoi now stars for Nottingham Forest.
Striker Timo Werner is back in the Premier League despite leaving Chelsea, joining Tottenham on loan from RB Leipzig earlier this month.
