Maurizio Sarri Says Kepa Arrizabalaga Could Be Benched vs. Tottenham

The goalkeeper refused to come off at the end of extra time in the League Cup final, sparking another controversy at Chelsea.

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is reportedly 'considering' dropping goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for Wednesday night's crucial Premier League clash with London rivals Tottenham as the bust up from Sunday's Carabao Cup final rumbles on.

Kepa, who was fined by Chelsea over the incident after refusing to be substituted ahead of the penalty shootout defeat to Manchester City, publicly apologised after the game. Sarri acknowledged that there had been a 'misunderstanding', but it may not be over.

Maurizio Sarri says on Sunday we did a wonderful match because it is difficult to stop Man City scoring. He adds that he has spoken with Kepa and everyone has spoken altogether. The player has said sorry to everyone. Sarri has yet to decide whether he plays tomorrow. #CHETOT

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 26, 2019

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Sarri revealed that he is yet to decide whether Kepa will play against Spurs, although he had earlier declared, 'for me the situation is finished'.

Bought for a world record £72m last summer, Kepa has played all 26 of Chelsea's Premier League games so far this season. Even if Sarri believes the incident to be over, it will no doubt raise eyebrows should he dropped in favour of second choice Willy Caballero.

It remains a possibility that Sarri could yet be relieved of his position as the club continues to struggle. A report from The Sun claims the Italian held 'showdown talks' with the Chelsea hierarchy on Tuesday morning, with his future and Kepa the alleged subjects up for discussion.

While previous gossip that he could lose his job in the event Chelsea lost against Manchester City at Wembley proved to be false, the tabloid newspaper suggests that Sarri is still 'on the brink of the axe' and could be shown the door were Tottenham to win at Stamford Bridge.

If Chelsea do sack him, one report estimated it would be the cheapest dismissal in the Roman Abramovich era, costing around £5m to get rid of him and a further £1m for his staff.

Chelsea previously shelled out £18m in compensation to Jose Mourinho in 2007, while Luiz Felipe Scolari and Andre Villas-Boas were estimated to have been paid around £12m each when they lost their jobs in 2009 and 2012 respectively.