Injured Kepa not in Chelsea’s squad for United game

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Kepa Arrizabalaga is not in Chelsea’s squad for Saturday’s game against Manchester United.

Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the match, Blues boss Frank Lampard said keeper Kepa hadsa shoulder problem.


Willy Caballero is therefore set for a place on the bench as back-up to Edouard Mendy.

Thiago Silva and Christian Pulisic picked up knocks against Sevilla but have been passed fit.

“Both are fine. We’ve got a pretty clean bill of health other than Kepa, who has a shoulder issue so won’t travel to Manchester,” Lampard explained.

“The only other player out is Billy Gilmour, which is obviously long-term, but he’ll be back soon.”

Lampard laughed off a suggestion that Petr Cech might be included in the squad as Kepa’s replacement.

Former Chelsea keeper Cech, who retired from playing last year and is now technical and performance adviser at the club, was this week named in Lampard’s 25-man Premier League squad.

He was included to give Chelsea extra cover in light of the Covid-19 situation.

“Petr Cech’s not coming – not in that (playing) capacity,” Lampard said.