Chelsea have appealed Thibaut Courtois’s sending off in a desperate bid to have him face Manchester City on Sunday.
The champions’ No.1 keeper was shown a straight red card by referee Michael Oliver for a mistimed challenge on Swansea’s Bafetimbi Gomis.
But they are hoping the FA will rule in their favour. The appeal will be heard tomorrow afternoon and Chelsea have until 1pm to submit any written or video evidence to support their case.
Chelsea are understood to be disputing that Gomis had been denied a “clear and obvious” goalscoring opportunity as the ball had not been heading towards goal and Gary Cahill was the covering defender.
Jose Mourinho’s men had been leading 2-1 when Courtois raced to the edge of his box to concede a penalty.
The Belgian, set to be replaced by Asmir Begovic when Chelsea play City, appeared to accept culpability when he tweeted on Saturday night that he was “Sad to let the team down”.
Mourinho refused to be drawn on Oliver’s decision in the wake of Saturday’s game.
But Chelsea remain keen to explore their slim chance of success ahead of their clash with last season’s runners-up at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
