Frank Lampard tried to down play his decision to recall Kepa Arrizabalaga to Chelsea’s starting eleven for their FA Cup clash against Liverpool.
The goalkeeper was restored to the team for the first time in weeks having missed Chelsea’s last five games.
Lampard dropped Arrizabalaga in favour of Willy Caballero and was asked why his regular No.1 had been recalled for the game against Liverpool.
‘I don’t want to make it political, it’s just a choice with the goalkeepers,’ Lampard said before the match.
‘I’ve said it all season we’ve two fantastic goalkeepers. It’s an opportunity to play at his best.
‘I always go on training and results, I’ve got no doubts that he can come in and do a good job because of the player he is. It’s an opportunity to do well.’
Lampard made another big call in midfield with the inclusion of 18-year-old Billy Gilmour.
Jorginho dropped to the bench as a result and Lampard defended his decision to start the young star.
‘Billy’s playing because he deserves to play, because of how he’s trained and how he’s played when he’s been in there,’ Lampard explained.
‘Comfortable choice. Big game for Billy and obviously a big test. His character and personality, and his quality as well, I think he can handle it.
‘I’m very happy with Billy.’
Follow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
MORE: Dejan Lovren left out of Liverpool’s squad to face Chelsea after defeat against Watford
MORE: Frank Lampard says Christian Pulisic is ‘desperate’ to return from injury and play for Chelsea again
