Frank Lampard reveals Kalidou Koulibaly is set to miss Chelsea vs Arsenal
According to an update from Frank Lampard, (h/t BBC), Kalidou Koulibaly will not play for Chelsea against Arsenal on Tuesday night in the Premier League.
Since taking over as interim coach until the end of the season, Lampard has yet to record a victory. But he will be hoping his team can eke out a victory against title contenders Arsenal, landing their rivals a huge blow.
Chelsea’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League have been dashed, as they currently sit in 12th place in the league with 39 points. They best they can now do is end the campaign on a high.
Koulibaly, who joined from Napoli in the previous transfer window, has remained average on the defensive line. The 31-year-old was a cumbersome player who struggled to develop a defensive connection with Thiago Silva in his early appearances for Chelsea.
And Chelsea are contemplating selling him next season, even though he has only appeared in 22 Premier League games, as the Blues aim to get rid of a few marginal players. It is a disappointing appraisal of a player who looked world-class while in Serie A.
Since we have Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Thiago Silva in our defence, it’s safe to say that he won’t be missed. It’s time for Lampard to provide opportunities to players who haven’t featured in enough games this year; Badiashile should be one of those players.
As Arsenal have a potent attacking line, Lampard can choose to play three at the back with Fofana, Silva, and Badiashile. These defenders could be crucial in stopping Arsenal from scoring.
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They will be playing in a big game, and we can definitely do a lot to hurt their chances of winning the Premier League. At the very least, we will have achieved something this season.