Chelsea boss Frank Lampard launched an impassioned defence of under-fire goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga Monday, saying most of the criticism directed his way for errors he made has been unfair.
Kepa was dropped from the starting lineup in Chelsea’s last two matches after his error cost the London side in their 2-0 Premier League defeat by Liverpool last week, with Willy Caballero starting in goal.
Chelsea also signed goalkeeper Edouard Mendy for a reported 22m pounds ($28.30m) from Stade Rennais last week to provide competition, but Lampard said it did not mean Kepa would be leaving now or in the January transfer window.
Mendy was unavailable for the weekend’s 3-3 draw at West Bromwich Albion but Lampard said the 28-year old would be in the squad for the Spurs clash, along with new 50m pound left back signing Ben Chilwell.
However, Lampard confirmed wingers Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic were “still in their recovery stage” and would not play a part.
Chelsea play a Spurs side who received a bye into the last-16 after third round opponent Leyton Orient had players test positive for Covid-19, leading to the match being called off.
Spurs have a congested fixture schedule, with a Europa League qualifier against Maccabi Haifa Thursday, but Lampard said he still expected manager Jose Mourinho to name a strong lineup.