Why Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens are not in Chelsea squad for Arsenal Carabao Cup clash

Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens are both not in the Chelsea squad to take on Arsenal this evening due to illness, football.london understands.

Delap looked set to be involved for the Blues, but an illness means academy striker Shim Mheuka, who is on the bench tonight, took his place at the last minute. Gittens, who impressed for the west Londoners in their win over Charlton Athletic at the weekend, has also been feeling under the weather and is not involved at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Malo Gusto, Reece James, and Cole Palmer were also left out of the matchday squad as they continue to nurse knocks. Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Wednesday night's clash, the Blues boss said: "We've been really unfortunate.

"Reece James took a knock on his hip and he's just not quite ready for this one. Unfortunately for Cole, he's obviously an outstanding player, he should be available for Saturday, but didn't quite make it for this one."

Rosenior continued: "Liam was ill three hours ago. Jamie Gittens fell down with illness. Malo, hopefully for Brentford. Yeah, we've gone through the wars the last couple of days, but at the same time I think we're good enough to be competitive and try to win this game."

Liam Rosenior has made eight changes from the side that beat Charlton, with Premier League leaders Arsenal in town tonight. Robert Sanchez has replaced Filip Jorgensen in goal, with Josh Acheampong the only survivor from the Chelsea back line that defeated the Addicks.

Andrey Santos, too, keeps his place with Moises Caicedo unavailable for this evening's match due to suspension. Enzo Fernandez partners Santos in the midfield, with Dario Essugo on the bench for the second successive match.

Estevao Willian starts on the right wing, with Joao Pedro looking set to be the man in the No.10 role. Pedro Neto appears to be on the left wing, with Marc Guiu the sole No.9.

Arsenal also make eight changes to the side that beat Portsmouth on Sunday afternoon. Kepa Arrizabalaga starts in goal for the Gunners, with Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber the back four at Stamford Bridge.

Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard make up the away side's midfield in SW6. Bukayo Saka is on the right, Leandro Trossard on the left and Viktor Gyokeres as the No.9. Former Chelsea stars Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz are on the bench for the Gunners this evening.