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The former Napoli defender suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out for some weeks.
Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard has confirmed they will miss Kalidou Koulibaly for their Premier League clash against Brighton.
After their Champions League assignment, the Blues are set to host the Seagulls, but their first-choice center-back will not be available.
The Senegalese defender will also miss the return leg against Real Madrid following an injury that forced him off at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.
"He won’t be available for either game," confirmed Lampard. "It’s a hamstring injury, and it will be a matter of weeks rather than days.
"He’s a very good, very experienced player. People talk a lot about our squad, but when we haven’t got lots of cover at certain times, and obviously the Champions League squad is different to the Premier League squad.
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13:45 - 13.04.2023
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The midfielder has been linked with the Blues’ London rivals as his contract nears expiration.
"Of course, it’s a disappointment for him and for us, but an opportunity for someone else. We carry on without him, and hopefully, he gets fit as quickly as he can."
Lampard added that he is keeping a close watch on N’Golo Kante, who made just his second start since August in Madrid, having returned from a lengthy injury absence in the Premier League draw with Liverpool a week earlier.
"Having worked with N’Golo before, he’s an incredible player, one of the best I’ve been fortunate enough to work with," stated Lampard.
"I know the positives of having him and the negatives of not, because in my first season here we missed him for some big periods. As an individual player, his impact is very clear.
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17:30 - 13.04.2023
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The Blues had to tackle the Spanish giants with fewer men for more than 30 minutes.
"Off the back of a four-month injury, we have to manage him at the same time, because when you have N’Golo fit, he’s clearly one of the best midfield players in the world."
As he takes charge until the end of the season, Lampard affirmed he will give many players opportunities to play.
"I want to be part of a process in this period where players have an opportunity if they train well. If they deserve to play, they get an opportunity on the pitch, and they show what they can do," he concluded.
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