Loftus-Cheek ‘very unlikely’ to play against Liverpool

Chelsea assistant boss Gianfranco Zola has confirmed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek is set to miss the Carabao Cup game at Liverpool along with Pedro and Antonio Rudiger. 

Loftus-Cheek’s injury is a major blow for the England midfielder, who has been overlooked so far this season and would have expected to be given a chance in the third-round tie.

Chelsea are hoping Pedro and Rudiger will be available for Saturday’s Premier League match, also against Liverpool.

Pedro suffered a shoulder injury against PAOK last week and missed Sunday’s draw at West Ham, where Rudiger limped off during the second half.

“Ruben has had an injection and is still recovering. It is very unlikely he will be able to be a part of the game,” Zola said.

“The same for Rudiger and Pedro. They are recovering well but it will be tough for them to be part of the game tomorrow.”

Both sides are expected to make changes for the game at Anfield and Zola confirmed that a number of Chelsea’s fringe players are in line for a chance to impress.

Speaking at a pre-match media conference on Tuesday afternoon, Zola said: “We will see. I think it is an opportunity to see players who did not have many games so far.

“So there is an opportunity, but there will still be a good team.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has promised to field a “really strong side” for Wednesday’s game.