‘Confirmed’ – Latest Chelsea star excluded from Liverpool clash as seven set to be absent

Liverpool travel to Chelsea for the 2023/24 Premier League opener.

Chelsea will be without Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Premier League opener against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

The keeper is set to be loaned out to Real Madrid for a season to cover Thiabat Courtois’ knee injury.

As a result, Arrizabalaga would be left out of Mauricio Pochettinho’s squad. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano wrote on Twitter: “Kepa won’t be involved in Chelsea’s game tomorrow as he plans to travel to Madrid soon – and awaits confirmation from Real Madrid.” Verbal agreement done, ready until June 2024 – let’s go, confirmed.”

Kepa to Real Madrid, here we go! Loan deal verbally agreed between Real and Chelsea, no obligation/permanent move for Spanish GK 🚨⚪️ #RealMadrid

Kepa immediately said yes to Real after talks with Bayern over the last 3/4 days.

He already said goodbye, ready to travel. pic.twitter.com/i6y7mk8nma

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 12, 2023

It means summer signing Robert Sanchez will make his Chelsea debut after signing from Brighton.

New signings Chrisopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Armando Broja and Marcus Bettinelli are all out for the Blues.

Liverpool and Chelsea will face off on the pitch after a heated transfer battle this week. Pochettino’s side are reportedly close to signing Moises Caicedo from Brighton for £115m – after the Reds accepted a £110m offer.

Southampton’s Romeo Lavia has also been targeted by both clubs.

More news………

Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea, omits a star before the match with Liverpool.

An impromptu lineup change has been made by Mauricio Pochettino.

Kepa Arrizabalaga will not be starting for Chelsea against Liverpool this afternoon, according to manager Mauricio Pochettino. The goalkeeper won’t be put at risk to begin the Premier League season because he is scheduled to go on loan to Real Madrid.

The La Liga giants have been desperately looking for a temporary goalkeeper as Thibaut Courtois is expected to be sidelined for a while. Before agreeing to a deal with Chelsea for Arrizabalaga, Real was in negotiations to sign Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer.

According to The Telegraph, Pochettino planned to give the Spaniard a start in the first Premier League game. However, Robert Sanchez, a recent acquisition, will now occupy the position in goal.

Arrizabalaga, the most expensive goalkeeper in the world, cost the Blues £71.06 million in August 2018. Ironically, he was also purchased to replace Courtois, who he is currently filling in for at the Bernabeu. To supplement Sanchez, Chelsea will need to hire a different keeper.

Pochettino gave his perspective on his goalkeeping situation earlier this week. It will be a really great competition, he said.
Another [goalkeeper] was necessary, so we did.
It was a good opportunity for the club to sign him and a good challenge for Kepa. The club had been following him for a while.

“After working with us for three to four weeks, Kepa is slightly ahead of him. Like all players, if they play on Sunday, it will be difficult for them to maintain their position.

“Players who are unable to participate must compete to prevent their teammates from filling their spot. That’s competition, and it will undoubtedly benefit both Chelsea and the two excellent keepers vying for the job. “.

Before their match against Liverpool begins, Chelsea hopes to finalize a deal to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton. Pochettino, who beat the Merseysiders to the transfer, declined to comment on the controversy prior to the game.

“I never discuss players who are not ours. I really do treat people with respect,” said Pochettino. “I can assure you that we are making every effort to bolster the squad. The club will give you any updates we have. I don’t want to discuss players who don’t play for us right now.

“Like any club, we are working incredibly hard to try to add more quality. The way things are going makes me extremely happy. “.