Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri benched goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for their 2-0 midweek win over Tottenham as punishment for his refusal to be substituted during the League Cup final loss to Manchester City. Sarri, already facing pressure amid a tough season, was furious at Kepa’s defiance at Wembley and responded by dropping the Spanish keeper.

Veteran goalkeeper Willy Caballero replaced Kepa against Tottenham, delivering a strong performance while Kepa watched from the bench. The main question now is whether Sarri will reinstate Kepa for Chelsea’s match against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

While Sarri confirmed after the Tottenham match that Kepa is still his “first choice” keeper, he has not confirmed if Kepa will start against Fulham. Instead, Sarri mentioned that both Kepa and Caballero would play in Chelsea’s next two games, with Fulham followed by a Europa League tie against Dynamo Kiev.

“We are happy with Willy’s performance, and we know he can handle difficult matches,” Sarri said. “Kepa will play in one of the next two games.”

Chelsea, three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, cannot afford a slip-up against struggling Fulham. A defeat would put Sarri under renewed pressure after a tough week for both him and the team.

Sarri also hinted at squad rotation, saying, “We need to change three or four players after playing 130 minutes on Sunday and 95 minutes on Wednesday. I will assess the players’ recovery before deciding the team.”

Meanwhile, Fulham, second from bottom in the league, are in turmoil after manager Claudio Ranieri was sacked following a 2-0 loss to Southampton. The club is 10 points from safety, and Scott Parker has taken over as interim manager. Parker, a former Chelsea midfielder and Ranieri’s assistant, will make his managerial debut against his old club.

Parker has received advice from many, including a text from former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. “Sir Alex sent me a detailed message offering advice, which was truly inspiring,” Parker said. Despite Fulham’s struggles, Parker is hopeful as he steps into his first managerial role.