Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, has insisted that he has huge respect for Arsenal defender, David Luiz because the Brazilian was a top player during his time at the Blues in 2012.
Lampard, who played alongside Luiz at Chelsea, said this on Friday at his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s FA Cup final clash with Mikel Arteta’s side on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.
Chelsea head to the game after defeating Manchester United 3-1 in the FA Cup semi-final a few days ago, while Arsenal won Pep Guardiola’s side 2-0.
“No, [David] Luiz, is not a weak link, absolutely not,” Lampard said.
“I have huge respect for David, he was a top player in our 2012 campaign, and I know what a big player he can be for Arsenal.”
The former Paris Saint-German centre-back recently signed a one-year new contract extension with Arsenal.
Lampard, has provided the latest update on N’Golo Kante and Willian ahead of his side’s FA Cup final clash with Arsenal on Saturday evening at Wembley.
He also confirmed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek would miss Chelsea’s fixture against the Gunners after the England star sustained a minor injury.
Recall that Kante sustained a tight hamstring during Chelsea’s 3-0 win against Watford a few weeks ago, while Willian has been surrounded with contract worries in the past few days.
However, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Lampard said both Kante and Willian would be in the Chelsea squad to face Mikel Arteta’s men.
“N’Golo Kante and Willian are in the squad. Loftus-Cheek has a small problem and is out of the game,” Lampard was quoted by Football London as saying.
He added: “Yeah, [Willian, has given everything despite contract worry], because I have known him for many years, and his mentality has shown since the restart. He has given everything.”
Chelsea head to the game after beating Wolves 2-0 on the final day of the 2019/20 Premier League season at Stamford Bridge last Sunday.
Former Arsenal star, Charlie Nicholas, has urged manager, Mikel Arteta, to get rid of three Gunners players this summer transfer window.
The players are Mesut Ozil, Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi.
Nicholas said this ahead of Arsenal’s FA Cup final clash against Chelsea on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Nicholas said: “Some players need moving out of the door, Mesut Ozil, Sokratis, Mustafi.
“These players have to move on, and Arsenal needs to freshen things up. The defence is key to the rebuild. They have been rebuilding for seven, eight years.
“This period, in particular, has been awful for Arsenal fans, but I think Mikel Arteta knows the right path to take.”
The kick-off time for the match between Arsenal vs Chelsea is at 5: 30 pm.
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