- Antonio Conte has blamed injury problems as reason his team lost to Arsenal
- Chelsea were beaten 2-1 on Wednesday night in the EFL Cup semi final by the Gunners
- Spanish star Alvaro Morata, Cesc Fabregas and goalkeeper Courtois missed the match
Chelsea coach Antonio Conte has claimed that injury to some of his star players helped Arsenal to defeat his team on Wednesday night in the EFL Cup semi final.
Arsenal came back from behind to beat the reigning Premier League champions 2-1 and qualified for the final where the Gunners will face Manchester City.
Chelsea were without their first choice goalie Thibaut Courtois, the duo of Alvaro Morata and Cesc Fabregas were also not part of the Blues' squad that faced the Gunners.
Willian after he was injured against Arsenal (photo: Metro)
Brazilian winger Willian who has been superb for Chelsea this season was also forced out of the game in the 30th minute due to injury and was replaced by newcomer Ross Barkley.
‘'When there is an injury to one of your best players, it is not simple especially when on the bench the only substitute is Ross Barkley.
'‘I think Willian’s injury was decisive. We don’t have many players to make substitutions. Alvaro Morata was out.
''‘I was a bit forced to play with Barkley. He’s a really good player and important for Chelsea but needs bit of time to get used to playing for Chelsea and understanding our idea of football,'' Conte explained according to Metro.
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Earlier, NAIJ.com had reported how Premier League giants Arsenal qualified for the final of the 2018 EFL Cup after beating reigning Premier League champions Chelsea 2-1 on Wednesday night, January 24.
Arsenal won the second leg match at the Emirates Stadium after the first semi final tie had ended 0-0 at Stamford Bridge.
But Chelsea were the better side in the first 30 minute, and the Blues even had a goal disallowed before Belgian forward Eden Hazard netted the first goal in the 7th minute.
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Source: Sports.naija.ng
ROSY CREST
Thursday, 25 January 2018