Jose Mourinho will be forced to put out an experimental midfield in Sunday's League Cup final, due to the absence of key players through injury and suspension.

With Chelsea's appeal against last weekend's red card for Nemanja Matic reaping only a one-match reduction in this three game ban, and fellow holding midfielder John Mikel Obi sidelined through injury, the Blues boss looks set to try something new against Tottenham.

That could mean either Ramires or Oscar playing in the unfamiliar position, alongside Cesc Fabregas – or even the possibility of Mourinho going back to the drawing board to come up with an alternative formation.

Ram raid: Ramires in action with Everton's Romelu Lukaku

The failure to overturn the Matic red card, issued for his retaliation following what has widely been seen as a career-threatening challenge by Burnley's Ashley Barnes, resulted in the club issuing a statement saying it was 'appalled' with the decision.

This is part of an apparent switch in strategy, with Mourinho on a final warning as to his conduct in criticising referees. Former players and pundits were this week lined-up on the club website, to rubbish the FA's decision.

Meanwhile with Tottenham waiting at Wembley, and following a week of unwanted headlines about alleged racist behaviour and chanting by fans, Chelsea issued a statement warning supporters about their behaviour on Sunday.

Injured: Chelsea's Mikel John Obi

It read: “For a small minority, this game has historically brought a deeply unpleasant and unwanted level of antisemitic abuse, which has no place in football or anywhere in society.

“As such, we urge everyone to keep their support positive.

“Opposition supporters using terms as a form of identity is no excuse for abusive chanting or behaviour. The club asks that all supporters realise such actions cause huge offence to those around them.

“If we receive evidence supporters have engaged in antisemitic or any other form of discriminatory chanting or behaviour, we will take the strongest possible action, including supporting criminal prosecution.”