Lampard To Hand Ousted Goalie, Kepa A Rare Start Against Krasnodar

Chelsea coach, Frank Lampard will hand ousted No 1 Kepa Arrizabalaga a rare chance in goal as Chelsea close out the Champions League group stages with a dead-rubber against Krasnodar.

The £72million goalkeeper endured a torrid campaign during Lampard’s first season and has played only once since Chelsea signed Edouard Mendy when he made an error against Southampton. 

Mendy quickly established himself as first-choice but Lampard has been impressed with how Kepa has responded to dropping down the pecking order and will reward him with a start on Tuesday night. 

I’m very pleased with Kepa. His reaction has been absolutely spot on,’ Lampard said. ‘Tomorrow is obviously an opportunity to give Edu a rest and give Kepa a game. He’s training well and deserves it.’ Chelsea has already secured the top spot in Group E, with Lampard saying this offers ‘some minutes for people that maybe are not playing as much as they’d not want, to show that they deserve to play more.’