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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jack Rathborn

Chelsea vs Tottenham: Kepa Arrizabalaga dropped by Maurizio Sarri after Carabao Cup final incident

Kepa Arrizabalaga has been dropped by Maurizio Sarri for Chelsea's game vs Tottenham at Stamford Bridge following his refusal to be substituted in the Carabao Cup final. 

Willy Caballero starts in his place with with Kepa on the bench should he be required. 

Kepa remained on the pitch in the closing moments of extra-time, before Manchester City triumphed on penalties, leaving the Italian outraged. 

The Blues fined Kepa one week's wages on Monday with the former Athletic Bilbao star issuing an apology. 

Kepa missed last week's Europa League win vs Malmo with a hamstring injury, but recovered in time to face City at Wembley Stadium. 

After twice requiring treatment in the closing stages of extra-time on Sunday, Sarri had made his mind up, only for Kepa to public ignore the substitition with Caballero waiting. 

Sarri says he made the call due to fitness concerns, coupled with the Argentine goalkeeper's history with former club City, where he saved three penalties in their 2016 League Cup shootout win over Liverpool.

The Blues boss did not entertain the possibility that Caballero's presence may have resulted in a different outcome.

Sarri insisted the situation had been dealt with on Tuesday: "After yesterday for me the situation is finished. He is a young player, he made a mistake, but stop.

"I am sure he understood he made a really big mistake. For me it's finished.

KepaArrizabalaga of Chelsea refuses to be substituted (Getty Images)

"I spoke with the goalkeeper, with Kepa, of course. Then we spoke altogether, because he said sorry to the technical staff, but it was not enough.

"Then he said sorry to his team-mates, to the club. I think he made a big mistake, but we need to be tolerant. We don't want to kill him. So there is a position from the club."

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