Michael Owen believed Edouard Mendy was part of a core group of players Chelsea cannot do without in the Champions League final against Manchester City.
As part of his analysis for Premier League Productions, Owen was looking ahead for the European showdown between Chelsea and City on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s men will be fresh from being crowned champions of England for a fifth time in ten years.
Thomas Tuchel’s team took a step back after they were beaten by Aston Villa, but still managed to secure a top four finish.
Just to rub salt in the Blues wounds, Mendy was forced to be replaced at half time after he collided with the goal post.
Tuchel admitted in his post-match interview that the Senegalese international had injured his ribs.
He would have to wait for more scans to know the full extent of the damage.
With worries already lingering over N’Golo Kante’s fitness, Chelsea might be waiting nervously on the return of two key opponents before they face City.
Owen felt Mendy especially was one of the players Tuchel simply couldn’t be without for the weekend’s show piece event.
“He’s been a huge success,” said the former Liverpool striker.
“You would say Chelsea do rely on four or five players that you would not want to be out. He is definitely one of them.”
Kepa Arrizabalaga could be called upon if Mendy is absent.
However, Tuchel will undoubtedly want his no.1 goalkeeper involved, if possible, for the biggest game of the domestic season.
Chronicle View
I think Owen is spot on.
I can probably guess who the other figures are that Chelsea depends upon so heavily.
For me, it has to be: Kante, Mason Mount, Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva- and based on the recent Villa display – Ben Chilwell and Reece James.
All other positions seem pretty interchangeable, especially in attacking areas.
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