Chelsea will face Leicester City on Sunday in the Emirates FA cup quarterfinal without some key players.
Leicester City is on the brink of securing a coveted spot in the FA Cup semi-finals as they prepare to take on Chelsea this weekend in the capital.
Despite a recent slowdown in their Championship campaign, the Foxes are momentarily diverting their focus from the second tier to vie for a place at Wembley in the final four of the FA Cup.
It’s worth recalling that Leicester clinched victory over Chelsea in the final of this very competition in 2021, with Youri Tielemans delivering the decisive goal to secure the trophy for the first time in the club’s storied history.
However, the task ahead for Leicester is not devoid of challenges. Former Foxes left-back Ben Chilwell is currently undergoing specialized medical assessment following a knee injury sustained after his team’s recent 2-2 draw with Brentford.
Chilwell’s return to action is not anticipated in the immediate future. Similarly, Wesley Fofana, another former Leicester player, has been sidelined for the entirety of the season due to an ACL rupture suffered during pre-season training and is unlikely to make a comeback until the summer.
In addition to defensive setbacks, Leicester will face Chelsea without Levi Colwill, who is nursing a toe problem and beginning a rehabilitation program after missing Chelsea’s recent victory over Newcastle.
Benoit Badiashile is also doubtful due to a groin injury, while Reece James remains a long-term absentee.
Furthermore, midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, sidelined for eight weeks after a hamstring injury in December, has yet to return to training.
Romeo Lavia, another midfield prospect, remains unavailable after his sole appearance of the campaign against Crystal Palace in December.
In the attacking department, Christopher Nkunku adds to Chelsea’s woes, being sidelined once again due to a recent injury setback after a season of inconsistent appearances for the club.
