Chelsea's 20-Man Squad to Face Liverpool, Pochettino Set to Miss 3 Key Players

Mauricio Pochettino is set to kick off his Chelsea tenure with a challenging match against Liverpool on August 13th. Despite the club's failure to secure Moises Caicedo's transfer, Pochettino's initial days have been relatively calm.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, the goalkeeper, has been left out of the squad as he is poised to make a move to Real Madrid.

Mauricio Pochettino will lead a group of 20 players as he commences his role as the Chelsea manager today (Sunday, August 13th) when Liverpool visits Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino's start in West London has been smooth, with Chelsea not dropping any points during their preseason matches.

However, he will face a new challenge against Liverpool, as both teams aim to begin their campaigns on a positive note following underwhelming performances last season. Chelsea finished 12th, while the Reds secured fifth place but missed out on Champions League spots.

Pochettino's summer has been marked by the departure of a few players from the club. Only Christopher Nkunku, Robert Sanchez, and Nicolas Jackson have been brought in to fill the gaps. Unfortunately, Nkunku is already ruled out for at least four months due to a knee injury.

Consequently, Nkunku will be unavailable for the Liverpool match, along with the first-choice goalkeeper as of August 11th, Kepa Arrizabalaga, as initially reported by Football London.

Arrizabalaga's Move to Real Madrid

The Spanish goalkeeper is reportedly set to be loaned to Real Madrid following Thibaut Courtois' long-term injury, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

New signing Robert Sanchez is expected to assume the role of Pochettino's primary goalkeeper. Noni Madueke is also anticipated to remain sidelined as he continues his journey towards full fitness.

With Moises Caicedo's transfer from Brighton and Hove Albion still pending, it will be intriguing to observe Pochettino's choice to partner record signing Enzo Fernandez in midfield. Andrey Santos appears to be the most likely candidate.

Additionally, this will be Reece James' inaugural competitive match as the official club captain.

Chelsea's Complete Squad to Face Liverpool

Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Lucas Bergstrom, Jamie Cummings

Defenders: Malo Gusto, Reece James, Thiago Silva, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, Ian Maatsen, Alfie Gilchrist

Midfielders: Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, Lesley Ugochukwu, Carney Chukwuemeka

Forwards: Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea's Squad Numbers for 2023/2024

e360hubs football had previously confirmed Chelsea's squad numbers for the upcoming 2023/24 season.

Numerous shirt numbers were left vacant due to the significant player departures witnessed at Stamford Bridge this summer. Approximately 25 players left the club as Mauricio Pochettino initiated a squad overhaul to commence his tenure at the West London club.

Senior players such as Mateo Kovacic, Cesar Azpilicueta, Mason Mount, and Kai Havertz are among those who departed. You can find the Chelsea squad numbers here.