Chelsea are set to host Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge tonight, with both teams facing significant injury concerns. The match marks Liam Rosenior's first home game as the Blues' boss.

Chelsea will be making late calls on the fitness of key players Cole Palmer and Reece James. Palmer's groin issue is still being managed, and Rosenior may opt to rest him, especially with a busy schedule of eight games in four weeks. James and Malo Gusto also missed the FA Cup game but could be back in contention. However, Chelsea will definitely be without Moises Caicedo due to suspension for yellow card accumulation. Long-term injuries continue to sideline Levi Colwill, Darrio Essugo, and Romeo Lavia, while Mykhailo Mudryk is also suspended.

Arsenal also have their own fitness woes to contend with. William Saliba and Leandro Trossard are major doubts for the Gunners, having missed the FA Cup clash against Portsmouth. Mikel Arteta has confirmed that both players are doubtful, adding complexity to Arsenal's preparations. Arsenal already have a defensive crisis, with Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera ruled out. Riccardo Calafiori is also expected to be out for a few weeks after being injured in the warm-up for the Brighton match. Max Dowman is in a similar situation to Mosquera.

Both managers will need to navigate these absences as they aim to secure an advantage in the first leg. Arsenal were knocked out at this stage last season by Newcastle United. Chelsea have progressed from their last three League Cup semi-final ties but have lost the final each time. Their last defeat at this stage was against Arsenal in 2018.

Former Gunner Adrian Clarke suggests that Rosenior is unlikely to deviate from the 4-2-3-1 formation he used against Charlton Athletic. Arsenal defeated Port Vale, Brighton and Crystal Palace to reach the semi-final.