Armel Bella-Kotchap - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Bows out against Napoli Bella-Kotchap recorded two tackles (one won), two clearances and two interceptions in 55 minutes in Saturday's match versus Napoli before exiting due to an apparent thigh injury, G...

Impact Bella-Kotchap had a physical and busy shift, picking up a decent amount of stats, but left early in the second half and limped off clutching the back of his thigh. He's set for tests ahead of next Sunday's away match versus Bologna. The coach picked Martin Frese over Nicolas Valentini to take his place in the back in this one.

16 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Logs five clearances versus Parma Bella-Kotchap (thigh) had two blocks, one tackle (one won) and five clearances in Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Parma.

Impact Bella-Kotchap didn't display signs of rust despite sitting out a month because of a thigh injury, but his team allowed two goals anyway. He has tallied four or more clearances in his last seven appearances, amassing 45. Additionally, he has recorded at least one tackle, totaling five (three won), and one block in four displays in a row. Instead, he didn't register an interception for the first one since late September in this one.

FEBRUARY 16 • ROTOWIRE

Starting immediately Bella-Kotchap (thigh) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Parma.

Impact Bella-Kotchap was battling some fitness to make the call Sunday and has done so, with the defender not just fit but making the starting XI. This is an 11th start in 15 appearances for the defender, as he has only missed one start when available since October. 29.

FEBRUARY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Fit for Parma fixture Bella-Kotchap (thigh) "has recovered, and we're evaluating whether he can start right away," coach Paolo Sammarco announced.

Impact Bella-Kotchap has healed from a thigh strain that cost him a month and would play over Tobias Slotsager or Victor Nelsson if the staff deemed him fit enough to be in the XI. He has posted at least one clearance in 12 straight showings, totaling 71, and one or more interceptions in his last 11 appearances, amassing 26, but with just one clean sheet over that span.

FEBRUARY 13 • ROTOWIRE

Joins Verona permanently Bella-Kotchap has been bought out from Southampton and signed a contract with Verona until 2029.

Impact Bella-Kotchap has been the best Verona defender so far this season and is set to recapture a large role once he shakes off a thigh injury that sidelined him for the past four matches. He has notched 28 ackles, 73 clearnces and 12 blocks in 14 showings (10 starts), helping secure one clean sheet.

FEBRUARY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Will miss some time Bella-Kotchap (undisclosed) "will likely be sidelined for three weeks," coach Paolo Zanetti announced.

Impact Bella-Kotchip is nursing a substantial muscular problem, although the team and the gaffer didn't disclose in which area. Victor Nelsson, Nicolas Valentini and Tobias Slotsager will play more than usual while he's on the mend.

JANUARY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Out against Bologna Bella-Kotchap will sit out Thursday's match versus Bologna due to a muscular injury, Verona announced.

Impact Bella-Kotchap got banged up in the last game and hasn't been able to recuperate. He's undergoing evaluations and might miss further games. Victor Nelsson will likely return to the XI after getting a breather over the weekend, while Tobias Slotsager will be the main defensive deputy.

JANUARY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Notches four clearances versus Cagliari Bella-Kotchap (thigh) had one tackle (zero won), three interceptions and four clearances in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Cagliari.

Impact Bella-Kotchap easily had his best display so far, thanks to the increased minutes as he replaced Unai Nunez (shoulder) in the first half, but his side wasted a two-goal lead late in the game. He could be in line for his first start if the teammate missed time. He has notched one tackle, five interceptions, seven clearances and one block in four cameos.

OCTOBER 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Fit for Cagliari game Bella-Kotchap (thigh) "has returned to full training and is good to go for Saturday," coach Paolo Zanetti stated.

Impact Bella-Kotchap will be back in the squad after missing the previous bout because of a muscular ailment. He's been a depth piece in the back so far, tallying two interceptions, three clearances and one block in three appearances off the bench.

OCTOBER 25, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Out for Pisa fixture Bella-Kotchap will miss Saturday's game versus Pisa due to muscle fatigue, Verona announced.

Impact Bella-Kotchap picked up a minor muscular problem in training and will try to recuperate for the next fixture versus Cagliari. He has yet to start since joining and has come off the bench on three occasions. Nicolas Valentini, Martin Frese and Enzo Ebosse will soak up his minutes.

OCTOBER 17, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Armel Bella-Kotchap: Southampton defender joins Hellas Verona on loan Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap joins Italian top-flight club Hellas Verona on a season-long loan.

AUGUST 27, 2025 • BBC.CO.UK

Moves to Verona Bella-Kotchap has joined Verona on loan with an option to buy from Southampton.

Impact Bella-Kotchap only appeared four times (two starts) last season, totaling seven tackles, five interceptions and 21 clearances, with no clean sheets. He saw more action in previous seasons at PSV. He'll fight for minutes with Unai Nunez, Victor Nelsson, Enzo Ebosse and Nicolas Valentini in the back three.

AUGUST 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Earns first start Bella-Kotchap recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Tuesday's 4-0 defeat versus Chelsea.

Impact Bella-Kotchap was able to start in his first PL match of the season, having already made an appearance off the bench during the previous game. He's been very limited with the senior side, playing in those two matches all season following his return from PSV over the summer

FEBRUARY 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Returns from loan Bella-Kotchap returned to Southampton following the end of his loan to PSV.

Impact Bella-Kotchap never really managed to take a big role in PSV, he made just nine total appearances across all competitions, as injuries and form plagued him. The defender now returns to Southampton, who were just promoted back into the Premier League.

JULY 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Returns off bench Bella-Kotchap (shoulder) came off the bench against FC Emmen in a 3-0 win.

Impact Bella-Kotchap missed nearly four months with the shoulder injury but was able to play 30 minutes off the bench against Emmen earlier in the month. The defender should be back to full fitness for a tough Champions League tie against Dortmund.

FEBRUARY 19, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out once again Bella-Kotchap (shoulder) is out for Tuesday's match against Arsenal.

Impact Bella-Kotchap is missing his fourth UCL match in a row, having yet to recover from a shoulder injury. This will leave the defender only having played in two group stage matches this UCL campaign, starting once, where he registered one shot, a clearance and three tackles in 76 minutes of play.

DECEMBER 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Not ready for return Bella-Kotchap (shoulder) wasn't called up for Wednesday's trip to Sevilla.

Impact Bella-Kotchap remains on the sideline for Wednesday's clash with Sevilla. The defender is still struggling with a shoulder injury and will now have just one more chance to get on the pitch in the Champions League group stage. Andre Ramalho will likely continue in the starting XI with Bella-Kotchap out.

NOVEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Still out Bella-Kotchap (shoulder) is out for Wednesday's clash with Lens, according to manager Peter Bosz.

Impact Bella-Kotchap underwent shoulder surgery and isn't quite ready to return. His next chance for Champions League action will come against Sevilla away from home on Nov. 29. Andre Ramalho will likely remain in the starting XI while Bella-Kotchap is sidelined.

NOVEMBER 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Missing Tuesday Bella-Kotchap was left out of the match-day squad versus Lens on Tuesday with an undisclosed injury.

Impact Bella-Kotchup was also unavailable for the club's domestic clash with Fortuna Sittard on Saturday. The defender came off the bench versus Sevilla on Oct. 3 after having started the Group Stage opener against Arsenal. Andre Ramalho will continue to feature in the starting XI with Bella-Kotchup out.

OCTOBER 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Loaned to PSV Bella-Kotchap completed a loan to PSV from Southampton, the club announced.

Impact Bella-Kotchap will spend 2023-24 on loan with PSV from Southampton following their relegation. If Southampton are unable to get back into the top flight it's possible Bella-Kotchap could make a permanent move away from Southampton, with a plethora of clubs rumored to be interested.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Won't return this season Bella-Kotchap (hamstring) will miss the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign. Manager Ruben Selles told reporters, "Armel is out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury."

Impact Bella-Kotchap will see his season end having started all 24 of his appearances for Southampton in which he garnered two assists, 14 shots (two on target), 108 clearances and 44 interceptions. With Southampton all but guaranteed to be relegated to the Championship, Bella-Kotchap could be a summer transfer target, though he is in just his first season with the club since joining from VfL Bochum in July of 2022.

MAY 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Limps off against Forest Bella-Kotchap was subbed out of Monday's match against Nottingham Forest in the 38th minute after suffering an injury.

Impact Bella-Kotchap has started all 24 of his Premier League appearances this season but his night was cut short Monday due to an injury and he had to be replaced by Lyanco in central defense.

MAY 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Makes starting XI Bella-Kotchap is fit and in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Newcastle.

Impact Bella-Kotchap returns from an undisclosed injury to take up a role in Southampton's back line. The center back has helped his club to three clean sheets in 23 appearances while making 95 clearances.

APRIL 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

In contention Sunday Bella-Kotchap (undisclosed) is expected back in the squad for Sunday's matchup with Newcastle United. Manager Ruben Selles told reporters, "He will be ready for Sunday. He was not...

Impact Bella-Kotchap looks set to return after missing the club's mid-week clash with Bournemouth on Thursday. In his last three outings, the central defender recorded one assist, three shots (one on target) and 12 clearances. If he does break into the starting XI, Bella-Kotchap figures to primarily generate defensive stats considering he has just one shot on target in his last 13 contests.

APRIL 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Unavailable against Cherries Bella-Kotchap will not be in the squad versus Bournemouth on Thursday due to fitness concerns, Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic reports.

Impact Bella-Kotchap has started three straight contests, in which he recorded one assist, three shots (one on target) and 12 clearances, but now finds himself on the shelf. The returning Jan Bednarek will slot into central defense in relief of Bella-Kotchap with both defenders in contention for spots in the starting XI moving forward.

APRIL 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

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