Five Premier League players that need Carabao Cup minutes | OneFootball

The Carabao Cup is often used as a chance for Premier League teams to rotate, handing much-needed minutes to fringe members of their squad.

Ahead of this week’s third-round action, we’ve picked out five Premier League players that need an opportunity this week.

Andrey Santos (Chelsea)

After returning from an impressive loan spell at Strasbourg, Andrey Santos had plans of breaking into the Chelsea team this season.

The 21-year-old was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year in 2024/25, after scoring 10 goals from midfield in France. However, the presence of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez has limited Santos to just 117 minutes of Premier League football over four substitute appearances.

Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Caicedo is managing an injury issue, which could free up room for Santos in the side this week. Chelsea take on Lincoln City on Tuesday night, aiming to end a three-match winless run.

Federico Chiesa (Liverpool)

Having been omitted from Liverpool’s squad for the Champions League, Federico Chiesa’s chances of regular football have already been reduced.

The Italian was the hero on the Premier League’s opening weekend after scoring a late winner against Bournemouth, but has totalled just 47 minutes of league football in 2025/26.

Chiesa has struggled to win favour under Arne Slot since his move to Anfield in 2024, but the Carabao Cup presents a chance to impress. Liverpool host Southampton as their campaign begins this week.

Thierno Barry (Everton)

Thierno Barry signed for Everton in the summer with high expectations. The 22-year-old had enjoyed an impressive campaign at Villarreal, scoring 11 goals as the La Liga outfit secured Champions League qualification.

Barry has been eased into action under David Moyes, with Beto preferred in the opening weeks to the raw but talented Frenchman.

The new arrival will need time to settle in England, following a nomadic early career that has already taken in stops in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Spain. The 6ft 5in forward has the attributes to thrive at Everton, but needs minutes to get up to speed.

Randal Kolo Muani (Tottenham Hotspur)

Tottenham Hotspur capitalised on Randal Kolo Muani’s failed return to Juventus to snap up the striker on deadline day. A loan move was agreed to bring in the Frenchman, who netted 10 times in 22 appearances for Juventus last season.

Kolo Muani made his debut as a substitute in the Champions League win over Villarreal, but missed the weekend draw at Brighton with a dead leg. Thomas Frank has confirmed he is hopeful that Kolo Muani can feature in midweek as Spurs meet Doncaster Rovers in the third round.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)

Myles Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a breakout season last term that culminated in an England debut and nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award. This season, he’s found himself out of favour with Mikel Arteta, who has preferred Riccardo Calafiori at left-back.

Lewis-Skelly has not started a Premier League game this season and has totalled just 66 minutes of league action.

In a World Cup year, the defender needs more football if he is to ensure his place in the England squad for next summer’s tournament. Wednesday’s League Cup tie at Port Vale would be a good place to start.

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