An explanation for the absence of Kai Havertz from Chelsea’s matchday squad to face Brighton & Hove Albion has been forthcoming on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues, of course, were back in action a short time ago.
Fresh off back-to-back defeats under the watch of interim head coach Frank Lampard, Chelsea welcomed the aforementioned Brighton to Stamford Bridge, desperate for a return to winning ways.
When all was said and done in west London, however, the concerns of the capital giants only deepened.
This came as goals on the part of Danny Welbeck and Julio Enciso proved enough to guide the day’s visitors to the right side of a 2-1 result.
Enciso stunning goal pic.twitter.com/Rd4e8tlw88
— TheSecretScout (@TheSecretScout_) April 15, 2023
As alluded to above, Chelsea’s eventual defeat this afternoon came with a key member of the club’s frontline – in the form of Kai Havertz – having been unavailable for selection.
And the English tactician went on to reveal that Havertz was left out owing to a knee issue picked up against Real Madrid in midweek:
“Kai has had a little issue with his knee, which he felt in Madrid on Wednesday night.”
Crucially, though, Lampard also went on to add that “he should be fine for Tuesday,” when Chelsea welcome Real to Stamford Bridge for the 2nd leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie between the clubs.
Kai Havertz has been left out of the #CFC squad today due to a knee injury but should be ok to face Real Madrid. More below. #CHEBHA https://t.co/hIMRBuxFM7
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) April 15, 2023
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