LONDON -- Thibaut Courtois has been ruled out of the Chelsea's Carabao Cup semifinal second leg against Arsenal on Wednesday with an ankle injury, sources have told ESPN FC.
The Belgian has returned to full training since missing Chelsea's 4-0 win over Brighton on Saturday with the problem, but is still feeling pain in his ankle and Antonio Conte has decided not to risk him. Willy Caballero will start his third match in a row in the absence of Courtois.
Chelsea, who drew 0-0 at Stamford Bridge in the first leg, are already without Alvaro Morata (back) and Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) for the trip to the Emirates.
Danny Drinkwater is also a doubt with an ankle problem, but Pedro is available again after missing the Brighton game due to suspension. Ross Barkley will be on the bench and could make his Chelsea debut.
Michy Batshuayi led the Chelsea attack Brighton in place of Morata last Saturday and performed well without scoring, but Conte indicated on Tuesday the Belgian will not start against the Gunners. He added that Batshuayi will leave Stamford Bridge on loan in January if another striker is signed.
Conte likened Batshuayi's situation to that of Kenedy, who has joined Newcastle on loan for the rest of the season with Chelsea set to complete a deal for Roma left-back Emerson Palmieri.
The Premier League champions are also reportedly in advanced talks to sign his teammate, Edin Dzeko.