4 players to be assessed: team news & potential starting XIs for Middlesbrough clash

Chelsea return to Carabao Cup action with a semi-final first-leg clash against Middlesbrough away from home on Tuesday, January 9. Here are the team news for both sides.

Chelsea

Nicolas Jackson is off to African Cup of Nations while Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, Lesley Ugochukwu, Trevoh Chalobah and Romeo Lavia are all sidelined.

Christopher Nkunku, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Benoit Badiashile will be assessed before the game.

Middlesbrough

Defender Patrick McNair, midfielders Tom Smith, Darragh Lenihan, Lewis O'Brien and forward Marcus Forss will miss the Chelsea clash.

Probable lineups