Giroud to start? Hazard as false 9? Here’s how Chelsea could line up against Spurs

Chelsea are set to be boosted by the return to fitness of several first-team players ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham.

Maurizio Sarri’s side have been without Olivier Giroud, Pedro and Willian in recent weeks but could welcome all three back into the matchday squad at Wembley. The Blues boss rotated heavily for the 2-0 FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend and is expected to recall a number of key players against Spurs.

However, Sarri refused to be drawn on his injured stars, saying: “We don’t know about Pedro, Willian and Giroud.

“They are doing better, had training with the team-mates, I don’t know if they can play tomorrow [Tuesday].”

Giroud is the least likely of the trio to be risked after Alvaro Morata’s double against Forest has potentially secured the Spaniard another start.

Eden Hazard is an alternative up front but should start out wide with one of Pedro or Willian on the opposite flank.Mateo Kovacic was ill on Saturday and could return in place of Ross Barkley, who played 90 minutes on Saturday against Forest.

However, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is out with a back problem while Cesc Fabregas is likely to move to Monaco in the near future and will not feature.

Jorginho and N’Golo Kante will be recalled in central midfield while the first-choice back four of Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, David Luiz and Marcos Alonso should return.

Finally, Willy Caballero enjoyed a rare start last time out but Kepa Arrizabalaga will come back between the posts.

The second leg will take place at Stamford Bridge next month, with the winner facing either Manchester City or Burton Albion in the final.