Thomas Tuchel was forced to field his second choice goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for the Premier League match against Spurs (3-0) as Chelsea’s French custodian Edouard Mendy was out injured.
The German provided an update on Benjamin Mendy, who has received a painful blow during Champions League group stage opener against Zenit (1-0) on September 14.
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Mendy was all set to feature for the Blues against Tottenham until it was declared that he is in no position to play for the Blues. The Senegal international was in major discomfort after receiving a knock against the Russian side. His injury has now made him a major doubt in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup third-round clash against Aston Villa (September 22).
“We tried throughout the week and on Saturday in training it was so-so. It comes from the last-minute kick against Zenit in the Champions League.
“It is very painful and he did not feel 100 per cent comfortable going for a full stretch or to land on it. He didn’t feel comfortable to fight at set-pieces or corners.”
Tuchel told reporters.
Tuchel also stated that he was happy with Kepa’s performance as he kept a clean sheet against the London neighbours.
Apart from Mendy, Chelsea are also set to miss United States international Christian Pulisic in the upcoming weeks. The American winger missed the match against Tottenham and is unlikely to feature against Villa.
The Blues have been in exceptional form as Tuchel’s men have found their ways to win matches. That was the case against the Lillywhites as players like Thiago Silva, N’Golo Kante and Antonio Rudiger found the net in their 3-0 win against Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.
