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KEP CALM AND CARRY ON
Kepa Arrizabalaga fears he’s paying price for Chelsea defensive problems – but vows to fight for future after shock axe
KEPA ARRIZABALAGA fears he is paying the price for Chelsea’s defensive problems.
The world’s most expensive keeper was stunned by Frank Lampard’s bombshell decision to axe him at Leicester on Saturday.
But the £71.6million Spanish star will fight to regain his place at Stamford Bridge — for now.
A source close to Kepa said: “He was shocked at being benched but is determined to fight for his future.”
Kepa, 25, was dropped for the first time under Lampard and replaced by Willy Caballero for the 2-2 draw at Leicester.
The Spain No 1 is worried about holding on to his place in a race with David De Gea to be first choice at Euro 2020.
Lampard warned his star keeper 11 days ago that he could be axed.
The Blues boss, whose side have shipped 34 goals in 25 Premier League games, said: “Kepa will be honest there have been some mistakes that have cost us goals.
"It is the nature of it, so that needs to improve.”
Kepa copped flak over late goals scored by Newcastle and Arsenal in recent games.
But while he is still coming to terms with Prem football following his record-busting 2018 move from Athletic Bilbao, he also feels the whole Chelsea defence is at fault — not just him.
His old club are monitoring the situation closely and if there is no improvement in Kepa’s position by the end of the season they will be ready to offer him a way out.
But Kepa’s wages of around £170,000 a week would be an issue for them.
