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Conte confirms star duo to miss Carabao Cup semi-final

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has confirmed that his side will be without two of its star performers ahead of tomorrow’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal at the Emirates.

Speaking to the press ahead of the eagerly awaited clash the Italian coach said:

“Morata and Fabregas are out, they are not available for the Arsenal game.

“Morata has a problem in his back.”

Chelsea travel across London to face Arsene Wenger’s side with the tie finely poised, after a 0-0 draw in the first-leg at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues had been on a poor run of form, but got back to winning ways last Saturday with an impressive 4-0 victory away to Brighton in the Premier League. Belgium international striker Michy Batshuayi linked up well with attacking duo Eden Hazard and Willian at the Amex, so he will more than likely continue in place of Spanish striker Alvaro Morata.

It will be Arsenal’s first game since they swapped Alexis Sanchez with Man United for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, although Gunners fans will have to wait to catch a glimpse of their new signing playing for their club, as he is cup tied after already featuring in the competition for his former club.

Although most pundits are tipping Chelsea to progress to final at Wembley, their coach Conte has a surprisingly poor head-to-head record against his counterpart Wenger, with the Italian only beating the Frenchman once in seven attempts.