World’s most expensive goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga DROPPED by Chelsea

Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been dropped by Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri for the crunch derby with Tottenham, following his Carabao Cup final antics.

The Blues are preparing to face Mauricio Pochettino’s side in the Premier League, and faith has no longer been placed in Kepa as a result of his recent petulant ways.

It was widely suggested the 24-year-old may have been dropped to the bench, in favour of the vastly experienced Willy Caballero – who was left red-faced on Sunday.

The world’s most expensive goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been dropped by Chelsea

The Spaniard undermined his manager in front of millions during the Carabao Cup final

After going down with cramp in the final minutes of added time on Sunday, Kepa was asked to come off by Sarri ahead of a penalty shootout.

Argentina international Caballero was raring to go on the touchline, strapping on his gloves and going through stretching exercises.

Maurizio Sarri hinted earlier in the week that the youngster could be set to lose his place

The scenes which followed quickly brought embarrassment onto the club and their manager however, with Kepa insisting he was fit enough to continue and openly protesting that he would not leave the field. 

Sarri was left furious as a result, with Caballero having to trudge back up into the stands and re-take his seat among the substitutes.

Chelsea were defeated in the shootout, which involved Sergio Aguero’s lacklustre penalty slipping under the diving Kepa – despite appearing to be simple save.

The youngster – who broke the world record transfer fee for a goalkeeper set by Liverpool and Alisson Becker – quickly issued a statement in the aftermath of the events. 

Kepa returned to training this week, following the embarrassing incidents at Wembley

David Luiz had suggested the Spaniard leave the field, but Kepa stuck to his guns and stayed

‘Although there was a misunderstanding, on reflection, I made a big mistake with how I handled the situation,’ said Kepa.

‘I wanted to take the time today to apologise fully and in person to the coach, to Willy, my team-mates and to the club. 

‘I have done this and now I want to offer the same apology to the fans. I will learn from this episode and will accept any punishment or discipline the club decides is appropriate.’