Chelsea Lineup Update: Courtois to miss City game, appeal likely to fail

Michael Oliver shows Courtois a red card for denying Gomis a clear goalscoring opportunity
Michael Oliver shows Courtois a red card for denying Gomis a clear goalscoring opportunity

Chelsea keeper, Thibaut Courtois was shown a red card in their opening fixture against Swansea last weekend.

The towering Belgian was sent off after denying Gomis, a clear goalscoring opportunity. Referee Michael Oliver gave Courtois his marching orders on the 52nd minute as Gomis equalised with a spot kick.

Michael Oliver shows Courtois a red card for denying Gomis a clear goalscoring opportunity
Michael Oliver shows Courtois a red card for denying Gomis a clear goalscoring opportunity

Despite an appeal to contest the decision, it seems Jose Mourinho might not be too happy with the outcome.

Former referee Dermot Gallagher said Michael Oliver made the right call and the officiating was top quality from start to end.

“Not only is it a good decision, but it is excellent refereeing from start to finish,” Gallagher said.

“The overall package was absolutely complete and any young referee could learn so much from it. The penalty area line belongs to the goalkeeper; therefore it has to be a penalty. I think the fact the goalkeeper stopped Gomis is the crucial thing — he would have gone past him, he would have rolled (the ball) into an empty net.”

No place in Chelsea lineup against Manchester City

Courtois is now likely to be excluded from the Chelsea lineup against Manchester City.

New Chelsea signing Asmir Begovic is expected to start against City next week. The Bosnian completed a summer transfer from Stoke City in July.

Begovic posing with a Chelsea scarf after completing his transfer
Begovic posing with a Chelsea scarf after completing his transfer

The former Stoke City keeper was signed as a replacement for Petr Cech, who left Chelsea after eleven years to join fierce rivals, Arsenal.

Manchester City began their Premier League campaign in style with a thumping 3-0 win away to West Brom, thanks to a splendid performance from Yaya Toure.

Chelsea Transfer Update

Aside of the red card controversy, Chelsea are now expected to complete the signing of Abdul Rahman Baba from Augsburg. Chelsea have already agreed terms with the player, according to his agent.

Also, the Blues have lodged an improved 30 million pound offer for Everton’s John Stones, which is expected to be turned down.

 

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