Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has defended his squad's fringe players after some of them struggled to make an impact during the 3-1 win over Cardiff City in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.

They pushed Newcastle hard on their visit to St. James' Park in October, only falling to a last minute winner from Bruno Guimaraes. Only two points separate them from their hosts, who will be feeling the pressure after Sunday's defeat in the Tyne-Weir derby and who looked drained from competing on four fronts.

Cardiff City face Chelsea in the 2025/26 Carabao Cup quarterfinals. Supporters in the United States can watch the match live on television or through streaming platforms, with multiple viewing options available.

Murphy's hopes of steering his Cardiff City side to a shock Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Chelsea came undone as the Premier League side unleashed the power of their bench in a 3-1 victory at Cardiff City Stadium.

Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest injury and suspension news ahead of Tuesday's EFL Cup quarter-final clash between Cardiff City and Chelsea.

Chelsea showed their support for unsettled boss Enzo Maresca as they survived a scare from third-tier Cardiff to reach the League Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 win on Tuesday.