Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri delivers fresh Kepa Arrizabalaga update ahead of Fulham clash
Posted Saturday, March 02, 2019 by Express.co.uk
Chelsea news: Maurizio Sarri reveals he could bring Kepa back into the team (Image: GETTY)
CHELSEA boss Maurizio Sarri is set to recall Kepa Arrizabalaga - and he could return to the team this weekend to face Fulham.
Kepa was dropped for the win over Tottenham for insubordination when he refused to be substituted in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City last week.
Willy Caballero came into the side for the 2-0 win over Tottenham but will not keep his place long-term.
Sarri confirmed today that Kepa will return either against Fulham or Malmo in the Europa League.
“As I said in the press conference after the match, the Kepa situation is closed,” Sarri said today.
“Kepa is our first goalkeeper, but we are very happy for Willy that he can play in a very difficult match.
“Kepa will be on the pitch for one of the next two matches. I have not decided yet, I want to see the last two trainings of course, for every player.
“On Sunday we played 120 minutes and 95 on Wednesday. We ran for 15km on Sunday on average and Wednesday was 12km, so we have to consider it.’
Chelsea face relegation strugglers Fulham looking to keep their push for the Champions League going.
They have a full squad to pick from abut Sarri is wary of the bounce Fulham could have following the sacking of Claudio Ranieri.
“Maybe,” he said when asked if they are more dangerous now with Scott Parker in the dugout.
“Usually when there is a change of the coach there is a reaction and so we have to front also the reaction.
“Then it is very difficult to prepare the match. We don’t know the new system and ideas. It is a very difficult match.”
Gonzalo Higuain has now gone three full games and a sub appearance against Manchester City without a goal and Sarri admits he needs to get up to speed.
Higuain has made seven appearances, scoring in just one match - a double against Huddersfield - but Sarri thinks he will come goos.
“He contributed well,” he said.
“He interacted well with the team-mates. Now he needs the acceleration, he needs to improve in the physical condition, then he will improve.
“At the moment for us it is better to think only about future, you are too much in the future.”
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