Chelsea players 'split over Kepa Arrizabalaga incident'

Kepa Arrizabalaga's antics in Chelsea's EFL Cup final meeting with Manchester City have caused a split in the dressing room, according to a report.

The world's most expensive goalkeeper defied the instructions of manager Maurizio Sarri by staying on the field at Wembley Stadium, despite struggling with cramp.

Sarri wanted to bring on penalty specialist Willy Caballero with the penalty shootout in mind, but Kepa refused to budge and was unable to prevent his side from losing 4-3 on spot kicks.

According to The Express, a number of his Chelsea teammates are fuming at the way he treated under-fire boss Sarri, while others - mainly the Spanish speaking players in the camp - are more understanding of his actions.

Chelsea confirmed on Monday evening that they have fined Kepa a week's wages, but the former Athletic Bilbao stopper will avoid any further punishment, leaving him in line to start against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.