Chelsea FC will be without Gary Cahill this weekend after he was admitted to hospital for a kidney stone. With John Terry not likely to start and former vice-captain Branislav Ivanovic having left in January, this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final Chelsea Vs Tottenham will see a new player wearing the captains armband. So who will it be?
With Captain Gary Cahill out and John Terry not Likely to start it will be interesting to see who gets the Captains armband for the Chelsea Vs Tottenham clash.
Coach Antonio Conte has already admitted that Cahill will likely miss out, and has stated that it would be unlikely for John Terry to start.
"“This is a semi-final and in the season we tried to have in every position two options.“I think the right position for John when we play with three centre-backs is in the centre and the player playing there now is David Luiz.“I have to make the best decision for the starting 11, we tried different solutions.”"
So with Gary Cahill out and Terry not likely to play, it looks as if either Kurt Zouma or Nathan Ake will be asked to fill in for Cahill for that position.
But, in terms of wearing the armband?
Cesar Azpilicueta, Eden Hazard, Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas, David Luiz and Willian all could be potential candidates for the Captains armband.
I personally think Cesar Azpilicueta will get it due to his consistently good performances this season and his leadership qualities.
He’s normally the quiet, hardworking one in the team but lately he’s been adding more leadership qualities to his repertoire. I’ve seen him shoring up all the lads in the tunnel prior to a game, he encourages the younger players in the team and he often instructs his fellow defenders on where to go.
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Eden Hazard could also get the armband due to his fantastic form this season and his past experience in captaining Belgium at the Euros.
Fabregas is also an excellent option if he starts against Tottenham in the FA Cup semifinal.
While David Luiz is top candidate for the job if Cahill leaves or is benched next season so it would make sense to put the armband on him.
However I feel it’s a bit too early to give it to Luiz just yet so I envision that Conte will either give the armband to Hazard or Azpilicueta.
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Whoever does get the armband would be significant leading into next season. With John Terry having announced his leaving the club and the status and security of Gary Cahill’s position unclear for next season, it will be intriguing to see who get’s the armband in this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final Chelsea v Tottenham.