Armel Bella-Kotchap
VEN
Will miss a couple of games
Bella-Kotchap is dealing with a right adductor injury and should be sidelined for three weeks, Tuttomercatoweb reported.
Analysis: Bella-Kotchap is set to skip the fixtures versus Fiorentina and Lazio but should be able to recuperate during the first international break. Redouane Halhal, Matias Moreno, Ridgeciano Haps, and Juan Jesus are next in line in the back, considering that Bartol Franjic (shoulder) is also absent.
Off early in Frosinone game
Bella-Kotchap had one tackle (one won) and one clearance in 16 minutes in Sunday's match versus Frosinone before leaving due to a muscular injury, Gianluca Di Marzio reported.
Analysis: Bella-Kotchap made the XI despite being questionable but didn't last long and will undergo tests in the coming days to determine the extent of the damage. The coach turned to Richie Sagrado over Matias Moreno in relief, moving Ridgeciano Haps to the bench.
Called up for Sunday
Bella-Kotchap (undisclosed) has been included in Venezia's squad to face Frosinone on Sunday.
Analysis: Bella-Kotchap will bite the bullet despite not being 100 percent and undergo a late fitness test to determine whether he'll retain his starting job. He has registered 12 clearances, three interceptions and three tackles in the first two games.
Banged up ahead of Frosinone clash
Bella-Kotchap "is dealing with some ailments, and we don't know whether he'll be an option for Sunday yet," coach Giovanni Stroppa relayed.
Analysis: Bella-Kotchap will have to look good in the final training session to be called up and eventually continue starting, as he did in the first two tilts. Otherwise, the coach will turn to two among Redouane Halhal, Matias Moreno (undisclosed) and Ridgeciano Haps, since Bartol Franjic (shoulder) is missing.
Under pressure against Milan
Bella-Kotchap had eight clerances, one tackle (one won) and one interception in Friday's 2-0 defeat to AC Milan.
Analysis: Bella-Kotchap did what he could to contain Goncalo Ramos and logged substantial numbers, but Venezia eventually caved twice after allowing a host of big chances. He has registered at least four clearances and one tackle in the first two tilts, amassing 12 and three (two won), respectively, with no clean sheets.
Quickly returns to Serie A
Bella-Kotchap has agreed to a contract until 2030, with an option, upon transferring from Verona to Venezia.
Analysis: Bella-Kotchap was a standout despite his team's relegation last season and put up interesting numbers when available, as he dealt with a number of injuries. He'll be a pillar of the defense if he stays healthy. He recorded 20 tackles, 32 interceptions and 86 clearances in 19 tilts in 2025/2026, contributing to one clean sheet.
Unused sub in Inter clash
Bella-Kotchap (shoulder) didn't play in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Inter.
Analysis: Bella-Kotchap was deemed fit after missing two games with a shoulder problem, but didn't get minutes right away. He'll push especially Nicolas Valentini in the season finale versus Roma on Sunday. Multiple injuries have limited him to 18 displays (14 starts), during which he has contributed to one clean sheet and tallied 32 interceptions, 84 clearances and 15 blocks.
Called up for Inter match
Bella-Kotchap (shoulder) has made Verona's squad list to face Inter on Sunday.
Analysis: Bella-Kotchap will return after sitting out two tilts because of a shoulder sprain and will compete primarily with Nicolas Valentini and Andrias Edmundsson in the back. He hasn't played a lot in the last two months because of multiple injuries. He has tallied at least one tackle in seven straight outings, amassing 11 (six won) and notching 11 interceptions, 32 clearances and six blocks over that span, with no clean sheets.
Remains on the shelf
Bella-Kotchap (shoulder) isn't part of the squad for Sunday's home game versus Como.
Analysis: Bella-Kotchap will miss the second game in a row due to a shoulder injury and might soon be shut down. Martin Frese or Nicolas Valentini will take his place in the back.
Absent versus Juventus
Bella-Kotchap (shoulder) hasn't been called up for Sunday's clash with Juventus.
Analysis: Bella-Kotchap won't be an option a few days after injuring his shoulder, and the team has yet to disclose the severity of his problem and whether he'll be able to return before the end of the season. Nicolas Valentini (suspension) is also unavailable in the back. Martin Frese or Tobias Slotsager will play next to Andrias Edmundsson and Victor Nelsson.
Exits early in Verona tilt
Bella-Kotchap recorded two tackles (one won) and three clearances before leaving Saturday's clash with Verona at the 51st minute because of a shoulder injury, Gianluca Di Marzio reported.
Analysis: Bella-Kotchap was solid in the back in his return from the starting lineup after a while following a previous thigh injury, but injured his shoulder early in the second half and departed while in significant pain. He'll undergo examinations in the next few days. Nicolas Valentini replaced him off the bench in this one.
DNP in Milan clash
Bella-Kotchap (thigh) didn't feature in Sunday's 1-0 loss to Milan.
Analysis: Bella-Kotchap returned to the squad after a month and a half, but the coach elected to give him more time before fielding him. He'll likely start over Nicolas Valentini and Martin Frese once he's fully healthy. He has notched five tackles (four won), four interceptions and eight clearances in his last three outings, with no clean sheets.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare