HomeBenoit BadiashileFrank Lampard confirms Kalidou Koulibaly injury blow and hints at changes to...

Frank Lampard confirms Kalidou Koulibaly injury blow and hints at changes to his Chelsea side for Brighton clash

Date:

Real Madrid v Chelsea FC: Quarterfinal First Leg - UEFA Champions League
Lampard will be without two defenders against Real midweek (Picture: Getty)

Kalidou Koulibaly will miss Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid next week with Frank Lampard set to give other members of his squad the chance to impress against Brighton on Saturday.

The Senegal international suffered a hamstring strain in the second-half of Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at the Bernabeu after competing with Rodrygo for a loose ball.

He was replaced by Marc Cucurella, who moments later was caught out by a ball over the top looking for the Brazilian forward with Ben Chilwell sent off for hauling him back.

With Chilwell suspended for next week’s return leg at Stamford Bridge, Lampard has confirmed another blow at the back with Koulibaly ruled out.

‘He won’t be available for either game. It’s a hamstring injury so it will be a matter of weeks,’ Lampard told a press conference on Friday.

‘He’s a very good, very experienced player.

‘People talk a lot about our squad, but when you haven’t got lots of cover in certain times and with the Champions League squad being different to the Premier League squad, it’s of course a disappointment for him and us but it’s an opportunity [for others] and we carry on and hopefully he gets fit as quick as he can.’

Real Madrid v Chelsea FC: Quarterfinal First Leg - UEFA Champions League
Koulibaly to miss Chelsea’s next two games at least (Picture: Getty)

Benoit Badiashile was not registered in Chelsea’s Champions League squad following his January arrival from Monaco and has been an unused sub in his side’s last three games, including Lampard’s first game in charge against Wolves last week.

Carney Chukwuemeka meanwhile has only made a handful of appearances off the bench since January.

Asked whether the two could feature against Brighton this weekend, Lampard insisted he is ready to hand chances to anyone who impresses in training, underlining the need for ‘freshness and energy’ against the in-form Seagulls.

‘They can’t all play, the maths don’t work,’ Lampard said. ‘First of all during the time we are here we want to win football matches because that is what is expected, firstly from ourselves but from our fans.

‘Secondly, I want to be part of a process in this period where players, if they train well and deserve it, they get the opportunity on the pitch to show what they can do.

‘Tomorrow will be an opportunity for some players who didn’t play in the Champions League. Possibly who didn’t play at the weekend too to come in because it’s a game where we absolutely need freshness and energy.’

MORE : Frank Lampard hails Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea’s ‘standout’ player since his return but cannot confirm contract extension

MORE : ‘Waste of money’ – Wesley Sneijder slams two Chelsea stars after Real Madrid defeat

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
FacebookTwitter and Instagram
.

Source

Related articles:

Chelsea vs Brentford Match Preview: Team News, Predicted Lineup, and Injury Updates

Get the latest team news and predictions ahead of the Premier League clash between Chelsea and Brentford. Analyze Chelsea's current form and injury status, as well as Brentford's tactical discipline. Discover key player updates and injury concerns that could shape the dynamics of the match. Explore how each team will approach the game tactically and predict their lineups and strategy execution. Understand what's at stake for both teams and what fans can expect from this thrilling encounter. Don't miss this captivating Premier League clash that could impact the trajectory of both teams' seasons.

Kit Man Accused of Blackmailing Port Vale Owner: Shocking Allegations Unveiled

Discover the recent allegations against Duncan Whitehead, a kit man for Port Vale football club, and the implications for trust and ethics in the sports community. Learn about the alleged blackmail attempt against Carol Shanahan, the club's owner, and the impact on Port Vale and its community. Explore the legal proceedings and their potential implications for sports organizations. Find lessons for clubs in cultivating a culture of transparency and accountability, as well as the importance of ethical leadership.

Gennaro Gattuso’s Stunning Transformation: From ‘Il Pitbull’ to Clean-Shaven Coach for Charity

Experience the remarkable transformation of Gennaro Gattuso, from football icon to charity champion. Discover why he decided to shave off his iconic beard for a charitable cause, raising an impressive €10,000. Learn how his involvement in charity work highlights the responsibility athletes have in advocating for important causes and how his coaching journey has evolved. Explore Gattuso's legacy and the impact he is making both on and off the pitch.

Chelsea’s Rising Stars: Key Players Ready to Shine in Premier League Title Race

Discover how strategic squad rotation has become the key to success for Chelsea Football Club. With a busy fixture schedule ahead, manager Enzo Maresca's utilization of depth and versatility has kept key players fresh and mitigated the risk of injuries. Learn about emerging stars like Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu, who are positioning themselves to become critical contributors. Follow Joao Felix's journey as he seeks consistency and Mykhailo Mudryk's potential to go from fringe player to key contributor. Don't miss Renato Veiga's versatility and the overall promising picture for Chelsea as they aim for glory in both domestic and European competitions.

Latest News:

Discover the Best 100 Free Spins No Deposit Offers for South African Players

Discover the excitement of free spins and online slots in South Africa. Learn about the allure of no deposit offers, strategies for successful slot play, the role of mobile gaming, and how to navigate the online casino landscape. Find out about popular games and features, and maximize your online gaming experience with tips and insights from fellow players. Stay informed and enjoy a rewarding gaming experience in the growing world of online gambling.

Chelsea vs Brentford Match Preview: Team News, Predicted Lineup, and Injury Updates

Get the latest team news and predictions ahead of the Premier League clash between Chelsea and Brentford. Analyze Chelsea's current form and injury status, as well as Brentford's tactical discipline. Discover key player updates and injury concerns that could shape the dynamics of the match. Explore how each team will approach the game tactically and predict their lineups and strategy execution. Understand what's at stake for both teams and what fans can expect from this thrilling encounter. Don't miss this captivating Premier League clash that could impact the trajectory of both teams' seasons.

Kit Man Accused of Blackmailing Port Vale Owner: Shocking Allegations Unveiled

Discover the recent allegations against Duncan Whitehead, a kit man for Port Vale football club, and the implications for trust and ethics in the sports community. Learn about the alleged blackmail attempt against Carol Shanahan, the club's owner, and the impact on Port Vale and its community. Explore the legal proceedings and their potential implications for sports organizations. Find lessons for clubs in cultivating a culture of transparency and accountability, as well as the importance of ethical leadership.

Gennaro Gattuso’s Stunning Transformation: From ‘Il Pitbull’ to Clean-Shaven Coach for Charity

Experience the remarkable transformation of Gennaro Gattuso, from football icon to charity champion. Discover why he decided to shave off his iconic beard for a charitable cause, raising an impressive €10,000. Learn how his involvement in charity work highlights the responsibility athletes have in advocating for important causes and how his coaching journey has evolved. Explore Gattuso's legacy and the impact he is making both on and off the pitch.