Graham Potter claims that Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy has got an opportunity to impress him.
Speaking in his Tuesday pre-match press conference before tomorrow’s game against Dinamo Zagreb, Chelsea’s boss said that his goalkeeper will get a chance to impress in-between the sticks.
It suggests that Mendy, 30, will be lining up on Wednesday night in the Champions League clash at home to Dinamo Zagreb.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been the first-choice keeper since Potter took charge as manager, but he was forced off injured during the weekend’s defeat to Brighton. It’s been confirmed he missed today’s training session with the foot problem, too.
Edouard Mendy opportunity
Potter has shared that Mendy will now be able to show his worth due to Kepa’s injury.
The £22million goalkeeper has watched patiently from the sidelines in the past month while Kepa impresses in net, but he’ll be desperate to retain the gloves.
“I’ve had some good chats with him (Mendy) and he’s been great. Top professional. Very supportive. Obviously he was injured when we first arrived, so Kepa played and did well,” Potter said.
“He’s honest enough and professional enough to know sometimes you have to be patient… Now he’s obviously got an opportunity. It’s unfortunate for Kepa it’s come about like that but that is professional football. He’s ready.”
Journalist Simon Phillips recently claimed that Chelsea may be willing to listen to offers next summer for Mendy.
Let’s see if that’s still the case if he can regain the number one position at the club, though.
Kepa has been excellent in recent weeks since forcing his way back into the side, with the change of management benefiting him more than anybody else in the squad.
The onus is now on Mendy to win back the starting position and possession is nine-tenths of the law.
One key area to focus on with Mendy is how he gets on with the ball at his feet because it’s an area of his game he’ll need to improve to be nailed-on in a Potter line-up.
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