Kovacic, Lukaku and Pulisic start for Chelsea in FA Cup final, Salah back in for Liverpool

Mateo Kovacic has recovered from an ankle injury to start Saturday’s FA Cup final for Chelsea against Liverpool, while N’Golo Kante is on the bench.

Kovacic suffered a knock in the 3-0 win over Leeds United on Wednesday in the challenge that saw Daniel James sent off at Elland Road, but the Croatian will take his place from the start at Wembley Stadium.

Kante has not played since April’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United, but is back in the squad for the final.

Kai Havertz has not been named at all, with Romelu Lukaku and Christian Pulisic keeping their places in attack.

The only change made by Thomas Tuchel from the midweek victory sees Thiago Silva coming in for Andreas Christensen.

Here’s your Chels! @ParimatchGlobal | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/bHhiSDMfyV

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 14, 2022

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson looks set to play the six role for Jurgen Klopp’s side after Fabinho was ruled out with a hamstring strain he sustained in Tuesday’s win at Aston Villa.

Mohamed Salah returns to the starting line-up having come off the bench at Villa Park looking to score just his fourth goal in his 17th appearance since Liverpool beat Chelsea in the EFL Cup final in February.

The Egyptian is partnered by Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane in attack, while Andrew Robertson also comes back in for Kostas Tsimikas at left back.

Ibrahima Konate partners Virgil van Dijk in defence, while Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita join Henderson in a three-man midfield.

Our line-up for the #EmiratesFACup final #CHELIV

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 14, 2022