Chelsea hint at Thomas Tuchel’s major team selection decision ahead of Brentford clash



Chelsea may have confirmed one of Thomas Tuchel’s selection decisions ahead of the Blues’ showdown with Brentford in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

The Londoners travel across the capital to take on the Bees in the quarter-finals and will be aiming to join Arsenal in the last four after the Gunners eased past League One outfit Sunderland on Tuesday.

Ahead of the match, however, Chelsea have been forced to deal with a number of issues including a clutch of injuries, as well as a significant outbreak of Covid-19 within the first-team squad.

It has resulted in there being a number of questions around Thomas Tuchel’s selection for the match, with it being hinted that a few academy prospects could be set to be included in the squad for the clash at the Brentford Community Stadium.

However, one man who looks set to start the game is Kepa Arrizabalaga – if the Blues’ social media activity is anything to go by that is.

Posting on Twitter on Wednesday morning to promote the match, Chelsea included the Spanish goalkeeper prominently – a move that would appear odd should he not start the game.

It would also make sense considering the 27-year-old’s participation in the competition so far this season.

He started in each of the two previous rounds against both Aston Villa and Southampton and was the hero on both occasions as the Blues ran out victors in penalty shootouts.

Away from the Carabao Cup, Kepa has made just a further three appearances. He started in the Blues’ clash against Villarreal in the UEFA Super Cup, whilst he was also handed an opportunity in their final Champions League group stage game against Zenit.

The Spaniard’s only Premier League appearance of the season thus far came in September during the 3-0 success against Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel previously praised his back-up goalkeeper for the key role he has played in the club’s progression in the Carabao Cup so far this term.

Speaking in October, the German said: “He produces and is also full of confidence. He has good experiences with us but we have to do it again and again.

“Just because you won a penalty shoot-out does not mean you do it again. Full credit and it is a special thing in football and he was again very concentrated and calm.

“Kepa was a big part of this.”

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