Estevao, Fernandes, Gittens - Chelsea injury latest ahead of Arsenal tie after new Blues blow

Chelsea face an uphill battle as they take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening in a Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg draw, and Liam Rosenior will be without a number of key players

Chelsea may not be able to field a full-strength team when they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The Blues go head-to-head with the Gunners in the semi-final second-leg of the Carabao Cup with an uphill battle on their hands, given the result of January's reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge. On that occasion, Arsenal ran out 3-2 winners thanks to goals from Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi cancelling out Alejandro Garnacho's spectacular brace.

However, with the benefit of a second leg on hand, Chelsea still have the chance to make March's final at Wembley, where they could face either Manchester City or Newcastle United. While Liam Rosenior would have a full squad to pick and choose from for Tuesday's encounter, the head coach may be without a number of key players via injury and other absences.

Here, football.london breaks down all of the latest team news headed into this week's Carabao Cup clash...

Estevao

While Estevao has thrived with Chelsea since making the move from Palmeiras last summer, the Brazilian is unlikely to feature in Tuesday's game against Arsenal. Rosenior announced during Monday's press conference that the 18-year-old is currently on compassionate leave with no pressure to return.

He explained: "I don't know yet, with Este, he is a young kid who has come and been magnificent. He is going through a really difficult time for personal reasons and is on compassionate leave. I won't put any pressure on him, it has to be right for him and he has to feel in the right place to perform for this team."

Potential return date: Saturday, February 7 vs Wolves (A)

Enzo Fernandez

Speaking about Enzo Fernandez, meanwhile, Rosenior said: "He's fit. You see him today, arriving in the box in the 92nd, 93rd minute.

"Enzo's got a rare athleticism which is a gift where he can recover really quickly and his distances that he covers in terms of our data is absolutely top and the quality and the leadership he gives the team and I'm really enjoying working with him."

Potential return date: Tuesday, February 3 vs Arsenal (A)

Jamie Gittens

Jamie Gittens was spotted limping off the pitch during Chelsea's 3-2 comeback win over West Ham at the weekend, replaced by Pedro Neto around 30 minutes into the fixture. Rosenior said of the player's availability: "Yeah, Jamie unfortunately felt his hamstring.

"I don't know the extent of the injury. It's a real shame for him because I wanted to give him a start and I wanted him to show what he could do. so for him to come off after 25 minutes is disappointing for him and hopefully it's not too bad."

Potential return date: Unknown

Filip Jorgensen

Filip Jorgensen is closing in on a return for Chelsea after coming off at half-time against Pafos in the Champions League last month. Rosenior said: "He's close to being fit and hopefully it will be either Arsenal or the game after."

Potential return date: Tuesday, February 3 vs Arsenal (A)

Tosin Adarabioyo

Tosin Adarabioyo has been recovering from a hamstring injury of his own since last month, but has since returned to training to participate in light ball work and running. While Arsenal may come too soon, he could be fit to feature for the weekend's clash with Wolves.

Potential return date: Saturday, February 7 vs Wolves (A)

Dario Essugo

Dario Essugo underwent surgery on his thigh in September, and has since suffered a setback in his recovery - slipping in training and further agitating issues.

Potential return date: March

Romeo Lavia

Romeo Lavia has been out of action since suffering a thigh injury in the Champions League against Qarabag in November. He has since returned to training and is nearing the end of his rehabilitation, and could return to the field by the end of the month.

Potential return date: Late February

Levi Colwill

As a result of sustaining an ACL injury during pre-season preparations, Levi Colwill has been out for the majority of 2025/26. He could, however, return at the closing stages of the season.

Potential return date: May