Chelsea
Chelsea Name 21-Man Squad For Galatasaray Game: Luiz + Mikel Both Travel
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has taken a 21-man squad with him Istanbul this afternoon ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League last 16 clash with Galatasaray.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has taken a 21-man squad with him Istanbul this afternoon ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League last 16 clash with Galatasaray.
Among the party that left London today are defender David Luiz and midfielder John Obi Mikel, despite the pair missing Saturday’s 1-0 win over Everton due to injury.
Attacking midfielder Oscar is also included despite being forced off at half time against the Toffees with an ankle injury, but the trio are all expected to face late fitness tests before a decision is made over their involvement against the Turkish giants.
January signings Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah are left back in London as they are ineligible to play in the Champions League having already featured for Benfica and FC Basel in the group stages, but youngsters Tomas Kalas and Nathan Ake both make the trip.
Chelsea confirmed the full squad on their official website this afternoon:
Goalkeepers
Petr Cech, Mark Schwarzer, Henrique Hilario
Defenders
John Terry, Gary Cahill, David Luiz, Ashley Cole, Cesar Azpilicueta, Branislav Ivanovic, Tomas Kalas
Midfielders
Nathan Ake, Frank Lampard, John Mikel Obi, Ramires, Oscar, Eden Hazard, Andre Schurrle, Willian
Strikers
Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto’o, Demba Ba.
Chelsea have been forced to leave two days early due to the travelling time involved but they will be able to train in Istanbul on Tuesday ahead of the game the following day.
Mourinho will be desperate to pick up a positive result before the second leg at Stamford Bridge on the 18th March, as he looks to guide the Blues through to the quarter finals.
What team would you like to see start on Wednesday? Leave your suggestions in the comments section below.