Trevoh Chalobah is deemed fit to make the starting team sheet for Chelsea with Mateo Kovacic also handed the midfield role for the last-eight clash away at Brentford.
Tuchel had sounded concern about Chalobah’s injury last time around against Wolves but the 22-year-old makes the starting XI in the centre-back slot.
Kepa starts between the sticks
As expected by many, Kepa is the man between the posts for the visitors with Edouard Mendy being given some well-earned rest by Thomas Tuchel.
Joining Chalobah in the defensive lineup are Malang Sarr and the England U17 international Xavier Simons with Antonio Rudiger dropping out.
Saul Niguez partners Kovacic in midfield
Saul has been a flop signing for Chelsea so far and the onus will be on the Spain international to perform sooner rather than later to justify Tuchel’s faith in recruiting him in the summer on deadline day.
He joins the returning Mateo Kovacic in the heart of the midfield with Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso slotting in the wing-back roles.
Here is how both teams line up for today’s Carabao Cup fixture:
Brentford FC XI
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Here's how we line-up for tonight's @Carabao_Cup Quarter-Final
Teams presented by @BlueJeansNet #BrentfordFC #BRECHE pic.twitter.com/G1HdbhlUFQ
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) December 22, 2021
Chelsea FC XI
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— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 22, 2021