Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa OUT with illness as Willy Caballero comes in as late change against Kawasaki

KEPA ARRIZABALAGA was set to start the pre-season clash against – but was replaced by Willy Caballero at the last minute due to illness. The club’s No1 goalkeeper, 24, will miss the match alongside fellow absentees N’Golo Kante and Tammy Abraham. Team news is in! ???? Here's how the Blues line up… #CFCinJapan pic.twitter.com/jaZivhhFgJ — […]

KEPA ARRIZABALAGA was set to start the pre-season clash against – but was replaced by Willy Caballero at the last minute due to illness.

The club’s No1 goalkeeper, 24, will miss the match alongside fellow absentees N’Golo Kante and Tammy Abraham.

EPA

Kepa was expected to start between the sticks for the first time since Frank Lampard’s appointment after training with the squad on Thursday.

But the 24-year-old was removed the line-up and replaced by the Argentine shot-stopper just before kick-off.

A statement on the club website reads: “There was a late change to our starting XI with Willy Caballero chosen in goal.”

After the starting line-up was posted to Chelsea’s Twitter page, fans immediately questioned Kepa’s absence.

One said: “Is  Kepa injured or something? Weird not seeing him or playing or on the bench.”

Another added: “Wtf is Kepa dead or something?”

While one said: “Where is Kepa? Why no minutes for him this pre-season yet?”

Kante is not deemed fit enough to return to the squad as he continues his recovery from injury.

Abraham, who did not train with the squad on Thursday, will also miss out through illness.

But new boy Christian Pulisic is expected to make his debut in a Chelsea shirt after being named on the bench.

PA:Press Association