Chelsea could be forced to recall Kepa after Caballero blunder show despite Lampard being prepared to freeze him out

KEPA ARRIZABALAGA could be handed an immediate Chelsea reprieve after Willy Caballero’s Leicester blundershow.

But the Spanish keeper is still playing for his Stamford Bridge future.

Kepa was dropped for the King Power Stadium draw following a series of underwhelming displays with boss Frank Lampard feeeling a change was needed to make a point to the 25-year-old.

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Lampard is understood to have been prepared to leave the Spaniard out for a few weeks in the hope that it would spark a response in training.

But Caballero’s madcap walkabout from his line, meaning he was out of position when Ben Chilwell scored to put Leicester ahead, could give Kepa a short-term lifeline.

Lampard is aware that his side must improve their defensive efficiency after winning just four of their last 13 Prem games.

Some Chelsea fans are unconvinced that the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, who cost £72m when he signed from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, is the answer.

One of the concerns is Kepa’s shot-stopping and failure to dominate his box, at a club which has become used to commanding keepers.

Chelsea’s official website lists Kepa as standing at just 6ft 1in, markedly shorter than his two recent predecessors.

Thibaut Courtois, now at Real Madrid, is 6ft 6in, while Petr Cech, now back at the club as a technical and performance advisor, is 6ft 5in.

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The problem for Chelsea is that the club would be reluctant to sell Kepa at a significant loss after spending so much to bring him in as Courtois’ replacement.

While a sale is not being considered at this stage, Chelsea would not be even prepared to listen to bids below £50m, and even that sum would be difficult to justify.

Lampard is aware that few clubs in world football would be willing to spend so much on a keeper but is desperate to see an improvement in Kepa and avoid having to make such a big decision.