Frank Lampard is poised to recall Kepa Arrizabalaga for Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Manchester United on Monday after axing the goalkeeper following a series of below-par displays.
Chelsea boss Lampard has been impressed by Arrizabalaga’s reaction to being dropped for the 2-2 draw at Leicester before the winter break.
The Spanish keeper has since had talks with his manager, and is expected to replace stand-in Willy Caballero at Stamford Bridge on Monday as Chelsea face one of their biggest rivals for a Champions League spot.
Lampard said Arrizabalaga, 25, had given him the reaction he had been hoping for after losing his place in the team.
“Kepa’s reaction has been good – as I would expect,” said Lampard.
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“He has been head down, working hard.
“I want everyone’s reaction to be spot on. He came out of the team. I know how that feels and what it would have meant to him. Every player has it, except for maybe Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo .
“I don’t expect smiley faces when people get dropped. I expect reactions.
“It is not easy. I know as a player I was not brilliant at it. But sometimes it can make you stronger. Most people get it at some point in their career.”
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Arrizabalaga cost Chelsea a world-record £71.6 million for a keeper when he joined from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.
Lampard insisted his No1 keeper had handled his setback “the right way”, saying: “We are playing at a high level. There is competition in the squad, and you have to respect the players that are coming in.
“I am there to support the players. They know I am on their side.
“Sometimes I make decisions that they don’t like. That is brutal reality of football.
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“You have to be always aware that if your standards drop or if the manager chooses differently, that can happen. You handle it in the right way. That is the reality of life, of football.”
Winger Christian Pulisic will not be ready for Monday’s clash after a hip injury, while a late decision on the fitness of striker Tammy Abraham, who has an ankle problem.
