The current Chelsea squad looks vastly different from the team that played in the last Carabao Cup final against Liverpool
Chelsea’s team from the 2022 Carabao Cup final looks unrecognizable. Only one player from their last Carabao Cup final is likely to start their Wembley showdown in the same competition in February, due to the heavy spending over the past two years. There are only four players who were in the 20-man squad that lost on penalties against Liverpool remaining at Stamford Bridge.
In a tepid affair, neither Chelsea nor Liverpool could find a winner in the 2022 final at Wembley. Liverpool won a lengthy penalty shootout, and it ended with Kepa Arrizabalaga, who had been brought on specifically for spot-kicks, blazing his effort over the bar. Nobody could have fathomed the change that would take place at Stamford Bridge over the next few years. A new era in west London began after the takeover by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, leading to plenty of upheaval and several changes in management.
Arrizabalaga replaced Edouard Mendy late in extra-time, and now plays on loan at Real Madrid. Other players who were part of the 2022 final squad have also moved on to other clubs or are no longer at Chelsea.
The matchday squad selected by Mauricio Pochettino for the February final will look almost entirely different from the 2022 final. Only veteran Thiago Silva was the remaining starter from the 2022 final when Chelsea defeated Middlesbrough 6-1 in Tuesday’s semi-final second leg. The changes in the team lineup reflect the new direction under Chelsea’s new ownership.
