There are four Chelsea players who are just one booking away from serving a one-game suspension in the Carabao Cup.
On Wednesday night, the Blues travel to Molineux Stadium and face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup last-16.
Of course, the sole focus will be on winning away to qualify for the quarter-finals. Chelsea’s predicted line-up against Wolves does feature wholesale changes, though.
Here is a look at the clubs still competing in this season’s League Cup competition:
Brentford
Cardiff City
Fulham
Winner of Arsenal v Brighton
Winner of Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Winner of Newcastle United v Tottenham
Winner of Swansea City v Manchester City
Winner of Wolverhampton Wanderers v Chelsea
If Enzo Maresca’s side progress to the quarter-finals of the domestic cup, they could be without some important individuals if they are booked against Wolves.
Enzo Fernandez playing for Chelsea against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Chelsea quartet who are one yellow card away from suspension
Even though Chelsea have only played once in this season’s Carabao Cup, winning 2-1 away at Lincoln City in the previous round, they have four players on the verge of a suspension.
It only takes two bookings to receive a one-match suspension. Therefore, the Chelsea quartet that picked up yellow cards against Lincoln will be walking a tightrope against Wolves if they feature.
Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Filip Jorgensen and Andrey Santos are one booking away from a suspension.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Maresca hinted Fernandez could be rested against Wolves, along with teammates Joao Pedro and Moises Caicedo. Chelsea definitely won’t want the Argentine midfielder unavailable if they reach the quarters.
We’re guessing that left-back Cucurella will get a rest against Wolves, while goalkeeper Jorgensen should be able to avoid a booking if he’s sensible.
Perhaps the player most at risk is all-action midfielder Santos.
Marc Cucurella warms up before Chelsea's game against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup.
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea’s recent record in the EFL Cup
Back in the 2014/15 season, Chelsea beat Tottenham 2-0 in the EFL Cup final, clinching the first trophy during Jose Mourinho’s second spell in charge of the club.
Here is a look at Chelsea’s record in the competition since then:
Season Round achieved Beaten by
2024/25 Fourth round Newcastle United
2023/24 Final Liverpool
2022/23 Third round Manchester City
2021/22 Final Liverpool
2020/21 Fourth round Tottenham
2019/20 Fourth round Manchester United
2018/19 Final Manchester City
2017/18 Semi-final Arsenal
2016/17 Fourth round West Ham
2015/16 Fourth round Stoke City
It can be a superb catalyst in the season for any club that lifts the League Cup, so it would be great for Maresca’s Chelsea to go all the way in this year’s competition.