Chelsea: Chelsea to appeal Cudicini red

Chelsea have launched an appeal against the dismissal of goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.

Cudicini was dismissed for a professional foul on Shola Ameobi late on in the FA Cup defeat to Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday.

Mark Halsey indicated at the time that he had no choice but to dismiss the Italian, handing him a ban that would exclude him from the Carling Cup final.

Chelsea keeper Carlo Cudicini will miss this Sunday's Carling Cup final after the club withdrew their appeal against his sending off against Newcastle.

The Blues had hoped the Italian could play his part in this weekend's showpiece event against Liverpool, however he will be suspended for the clash.

Jose Mourinho still has Petr Cech available for the tie, with youngster Lenny Pidgeley now set to feature on the bench for the Stamford Bridge outfit.