Havertz back but Koulibaly could miss rest of season

Kai Havertz will return to the Chelsea squad for Tuesday’s game against Arsenal but Kalidou Koulibaly might not play again this season.

Defender Koulibaly has been out since suffering a hamstring injury during the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.

The Blues are already without Reece James and probably Mason Mount for the rest of the campaign and interim boss Frank Lampard admitted Koulibaly is struggling to return for the remaining matches.


Lampard explained: “Kouli is out for a while still. I think it will be a tight call for the season.

“He’s working away. I’ve been impressed with him actually. He’s a good professional, he’s doing his job very well, but unfortunately the injury was a bit of a tough one.”

Havertz’s return from injury is a boost for Lampard, who also has the option of playing ex-Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang against his former club.

Lampard said: “Kai Havertz is in contention for the game. He’s trained this week.

“We’ll see who starts. I’ve got Auba, I’ve got Kai, I’ve got David Fofana. I’m not going to divulge the team but they’re all fit and ready.”