The Blues are 90 minutes away from claiming a spot at Wembley next month, but there remains much work to be done as Middlesbrough hold a one-goal lead in our semi-final tie. That must be overturned tomorrow evening.

Pochettino appreciates what is at stake, and his message to the Chelsea players was clear when he faced the media this afternoon.

'It’s a passport to go to a final, to visit Wembley. It’s a really important game for us and we need to show it’s important for the club, for us, for everyone,' the Chelsea head coach said.

'We want to be in the final but first we need to beat a very good team, Middlesbrough, that in the first leg we couldn’t beat.

'Of course, it’s going to be tough, but we are confident that we can have a very good game against Middlesbrough in front of our fans. We need to take advantage of playing at Stamford Bridge with all the energy that will translate from our fans.’

Defeat at the Riverside Stadium a fortnight ago frustrated Pochettino and his players. The Blues dominated the majority of the contest and several opportunities to score were not taken. Tomorrow evening's clash is the chance to correct those mistakes.

‘We felt very disappointed after that game because when you analysed it, we deserved more,' said Pochettino. 'But in football, sometimes it’s not about what you deserve. It’s about being clinical, aggressive, scoring goals, and defending actions that the opponent forces you into near your goal.

'We were all disappointed but we have 90 minutes to fix the situation and win. We will respect the opponent because they are going to be tough. But it’s a massive chance for us to have a possibility to go to the final and fight for a title.’

The Blues will be without nine players against Middlesbrough due to injury. One of those is Christopher Nkunku, who hasn't featured since our victory over Luton Town at the end of December.

'It’s a shame but he is still recovering and we hope he can help the team as soon as possible,' Pochettino explained when asked about the France international's fitness.

‘As can happen after a long-term injury, finding the balance is the most difficult thing. He suffered a little thing in his hip – a problem there – and is recovering. It’s not a big issue but it’s delayed the possibility of him being available for the group. It’s not a big issue.’