Frank Lampard, the interim manager of Chelsea, has confirmed that Kalidou Koulibaly will not be able to play in the team’s Champions League second leg against Real Madrid.
The Senegalese defender had strained his hamstring during Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid.
Lampard provided an update on Koulibaly’s injury before his team’s Premier League match against Brighton, stating that the player would be out of action for a few weeks.
“He won’t be available for either game. It’s a hamstring injury and it will be a matter of weeks rather than days.”
He added: “He’s a very good, very experienced player. People talk a lot about our squad but when we haven’t got lots of cover in certain times and obviously the Champions League squad is different to the Premier League squad, of course it’s a disappointment for him and for us, but an opportunity for someone else.”
Lampard expressed his disappointment at not having Koulibaly available for both games, but also acknowledged that it was an opportunity for someone else to step up.
will play against Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, and Lampard emphasized the importance of securing three points to boost the team’s morale in challenging circumstances.