Koulibaly misses training as Real Madrid is left ‘weeping’ as a result of UEFA’s decision

All the latest Chelsea news, including Kalidou Koulibaly ‘s chances against Real Madrid, the search for a new manager, and UEFA’s crucial decision.

On Tuesday, April 18, you will receive your morning Chelsea digest.

Kalidou Koulibaly is absent from training.

Kalidou Koulibaly was not seen at an open Chelsea training session ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.

The Blues held a training session at Cobham on Monday morning, with the exception of Koulibaly. After rushing back to retrieve a lost ball, the 31-year-old defender went out in Chelsea’s defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu last week with a hamstring injury.

However, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Thiago Silva both trained after missing the Chelsea squad’s defeat to Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Similarly, Kai Havertz and N’Golo Kante. Lewis Hall, a youngster, was also present with the first-team.

Vincent Kompany is on the radar.

Chelsea are allegedly interested in hiring Burnley manager Vincent Kompany as their next manager following his outstanding debut season in charge in England.

With seven games remaining, Kompany has led Burnley back to the Premier League after only one season. The Clarets have won 26 games this season, losing only twice, and are presently 13 points ahead of Sheffield United in second place.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in hiring the Belgian to replace Graham Potter as Todd Boehly’s third permanent manager. The club administration ‘admire’ Kompany, according to The Times, and have added him to Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart’s list of potential options.

Real Madrid is dissatisfied with UEFA.

Real Madrid are allegedly dissatisfied with UEFA’s decision to assign Daniele Orsato as the match referee for tonight’s Champions League match versus Chelsea. The La Liga heavyweights have had several previous run-ins with the Italian referee, and the Spanish press claims Madrid is already ‘weeping’ over the decision.

It is said to be related to an incident three years ago when Madrid lost 2-1 to Manchester City in the last 16 of the Champions League. Orsato gave City a penalty after Dani Carvajal fouled Raheem Sterling, then sent Sergio Ramos off for hauling down Gabriel Jesus as the last man.

Luka Modric has a history with the official, describing him as a “disaster” and calling him “one of the worst” referees following his performance in Croatia’s 3-0 World Cup defeat to Argentina in December.

According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, Madrid is already ‘weeping’ about Orsato being assigned to officiate the game. This season, Orsato has overseen six Champions League games, issuing 20 yellow cards and zero red cards.