Edouard Mendy may not be fit to play for Chelsea against Crystal Palace next weekend, it’s been claimed.
The Blues will be back in Premier League action next Saturday away to Palace after the international break.
Remarkably, Chelsea haven’t played a league match since they beat West Ham on 3 September.
However, Graham Potter is the new man in the dugout, who kickstarted his reign as Blues coach with a draw against Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League group stages.
Mendy may not be fit against Palace
Well-respected journalist Simon Phillips has given a worrying update regarding Chelsea’s goalkeeper.
Mendy, 30, is viewed as “doubtful” ahead of the London derby against Palace.
The African shot-stopper missed Potter’s first game in charge through injury, so it sounds like teammate Kepa Arrizabalaga may get yet another opportunity to show Chelsea’s new boss what he can do in-between the sticks.
Simon Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: “Looking at the injury, initially it wasn’t serious, but it’s continuing to aggravate him. So, he wasn’t fit enough to play for Senegal so he is back at Chelsea, and they will assess him. But at the moment, he’s doubtful for the Crystal Palace game.”
Worrying form
In fairness, Mendy’s been forced out of the spotlight through injury at a time when many supporters were growing frustrated with him. You could say a small break has been a blessing in disguise for him.
BBC pundit Garth Crooks previously claimed former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel showed a lot of faith in Mendy, who’s allowed mistakes to creep into his game.
With Potter now in charge, everyone in the squad should feel they are starting from zero again.
Kepa is getting an early opportunity to convince Potter he should be Chelsea’s number one, but Mendy will be desperate to get back out on that pitch with the gloves on.
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