Chelsea are relying on young players off the bench for today's FA Cup clash with Aston Villa.

Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto are among 10 players out for now though, a list that also includes Nicolas Jackson, who remains at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.

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Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Lesley Ugochukwu and Romeo Lavia are all out injured, while Trevoh Chalobah is still working his way back to fitness having not played all season.

Chelsea will draft Conor Gallagher back in following the 6-1 win over Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi-finals as they face high-flying Premier League opposition in the other domestic cup competition.

Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic plays behind a defence featuring Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill and Alfie Gilchrist.

Gallagher returns to a midfield also featuring Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, while Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke make up the attack.

Gilchrist comes in for Levi Colwill, who was injured in the warm-up.

Starting Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Diasi, Silva, Badiashile, Gilchrist; Caicedo, Gallagher, Enzo; Madueke, Palmer, Sterling

Subs: Bergstrom, Gilchrist, Chilwell, Williams, Chukwuemeka, Castledine, Mudryk, Washington, Broja

Unavailable: Jackson (AFCON)

Time and date: 7:45pm GMT on Friday January 26, 2024

Venue: Stamford Bridge, London