Chelsea will be without their captain, Reece James, in a must-win game against Arsenal in the EFL Cup.

Chelsea were without their captain Reece James in the return leg of the EFL Cup against Arsenal on Wednesday.

Chelsea fans would’ve hoped to see a strong starting with James as one of the core players but to their surprise, he wasn’t even included in the squad.

Our XI versus Arsenal! ✊#CFC |#CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/FUWDZa5jzS

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 3, 2026

James wasn’t the only player missing as Pedro Neto who has been one of Chelsea’s most available players wasn’t included in the squad.

Explaining the decision, Rosenior said Pedro Neto and Reece James had fitness tests ahead of tonight but weren’t quite ready. He however hopes that they would be available when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.