Injured goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was unexpectedly spotted taking part in a training session ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League fixture against Sevilla.
If he’s fit to return, it will be welcome news to Chelsea fans.
It was as if all the positive signs from the clean-sheet 4-0 win against Crystal Palace went out of the window in Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Southampton.
Although Ralph Hassenhuttl’s men clearly showed more desire to attack than Palace, it’s safe to say Mendy’s absence also played a part.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has been under criticism since last season, was given the nod to start in goal but made an error that led to Saints’ second goal.
Worryingly, following the match Frank Lampard confirmed Mendy was likely to be out for at least another week.
He told the Daily Star: “Mendy is at the minute injured and probably will be fit in the next week or two weeks and then that will be the decision for me to make about who plays.”
However, footage from yesterday’s training session showed Mendy might recover sooner than expected. Some of his excellent saves appear in this video (around the 16:45 mark).
Unfortunately, Lampard didn’t drop any injury updates regarding his new goalkeeper in his press conference yesterday.
However, Mendy could yet make a surprise return against Sevilla tonight. On the other hand, will Lampard risk further injury to his new signing ahead of the Manchester United game on Saturday?