Opponent Watch: Saints expected to miss key goalscoring trio against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup

A look at who Southampton will miss in their Carabao Cup clash against Chelsea

According to The Independent, Southampton will be missing several important players as they prepare to face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup. The Saints have been dealt blows through injuries and suspensions but will also welcome back a few familiar names

Mohamed Elyounoussi will miss the game on Tuesday as he is set to undergo hand surgery the day before. The 27-year-old has four goals and two assists in eight appearances for his current club. The Saints’ top goalscorer and second-highest assist getter this season, he will be a big miss.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side will also be without James Ward-Prowse who is out due to suspension. The 26-year-old will be serving the last of his three-match ban as he was given a red card during the Premier League against the Blues on October 2.

Southampton will be missing a set of key players as they face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup
Ralph Hasenhuettl of Southampton alongside Timo Werner of Chelsea during their time at RB Leipzig (Photo by Thomas Starke/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Chelsea loanee Armando Broja will not be allowed to face his parent club due to league rules. Premier League laws state that players are not allowed to play against their parent clubs. The 20-year-old has scored four goals in eight appearances for his loan club.

With Rlyounoussi, Broja and Ward-Prowse all out, Southampton will be without all three players in their squad who have scored more than one goal so far this season. It is however not all doom and gloom at St Mary’s.

Hasenhuttl’s side also receive boosts in the form of Stuart Armstrong who came on against Burnley following a calf injury. The 29-year-old was subbed on in the second half to gain match sharpness for the game against Champions League winners.

Southampton will be missing few players due to suspensions and injuries as they are set to face Chelsea on Tuesday
Armando Broja of Chelsea during the pre-season friendly match at the Vitality Stadium Bournemouth. Picture credit: (Paul Terry/Sportimage)

Other returnees include Brazilian Lyanco, full-back Yan Valery, 34-year-old Shane Long and Fraser Forster who are all in contention to play at Stamford Bridge in the cup competition.

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Thomas Tuchel’s side have players like Timo Werner, Romelu Lukaku and Christian Pulisic who are expected to miss the game. However, The Blues have more than enough quality to get the better of Southampton and should win the game on the night.