Barrow without four key players for Chelsea tie
Yesterday at 06:38 AM
Barrow are without Connor Mahoney, Robbie Gotts, Sam Barnes and Chris Popov for their clash against Chelsea, as detailed on their official club website.
Barrow head down to Stamford Bridge this evening for a clash against the Premier League giants in the Carabao Cup Third Round. They have already seen off Port Vale and Derby County in the competition so far.
The Bluebirds will have to make do without injured trio Mahoney, Gotts and Barnes against Enzo Maresca’s side. Meanwhile, Leicester City loanee Popov is cup tied after featuring for the Foxes last month in their tie against Tranmere Rovers.
Stephen Clemence is expecting a tough challenge and has said, as per The Guardian: “It’s going be a very tough game. I was sitting at home watching Barnsley try to take on Manchester United at Old Trafford and they got a bit of a doing [7-0 in the Carabao Cup] and Barnsley are doing quite well in League One – the division above us.
“So we know it’s going be a very tough game. But what I’ll say going into it is: I’m really proud of us for getting to this stage. It’s a great moment for everybody in the town to be going to Chelsea. A big moment for us all.”
Barrow injury latest
Barrow landed winger Mahoney back in July on a two-year deal to bolster their attacking department.
He has also played for the likes of Accrington Stanley, Blackburn Rovers, AFC Bournemouth, Millwall, Huddersfield Town and Gillingham and was an eye-catching addition for the Cumbrian outfit.
Gotts has been a key player for the Bluebirds in the middle of the park since signing from Leeds United in 2021 so not having him available against Chelsea isn’t ideal.
The 24-year-old has made 132 appearances in all competitions since moving to Holker Street, chipping in with six goals and seven assists.
Centre-back Barnes was snapped up following his exit from Blackburn Rovers a couple of months ago to provide more competition and depth to their defensive ranks.
The 23-year-old rose up through the academy ranks at Ewood Park but didn’t break into their first-team.
Meanwhile, Leicester City gave Popov the green light to link up with Barrow to get some experience.
What now?
Barrow have nothing to lose against Chelsea and whilst it is a blow they have a few players unavailable, it is a chance for others to show what they can do.
The Bluebirds are top of the League Two table above Gillingham on goal difference and have lost only one of their first seven fixtures.
Clemence has done a steady job so far and his team won 2-0 at home to Newport County last time out.
The post Barrow without four key players for Chelsea tie appeared first on The72 - Football League News.
