Mendy Injury Could Give Kepa Another Chance At Chelsea

Edouard Mendy was taken in by Chelsea FC to improve its goalkeeping. Until now, it appeared that Frank Lampard had the answer to his shot-stopping needs. Unfortunately, an injury has made the 28-year-old questionable for the Blues' upcoming match against Southampton.

In an official statement made by the Senegal Football Federation, Mendy sustained an injury to the right thigh while in training. He has already had a medical examination and left the Senegal squad to return to Stamford Bridge, where he will undergo further examination, according to the Chelsea FC website.

"The Senegalese Football Federation wishes him a speedy recovery," the statement read. "He will be replaced by the young goalkeeper of the U20 national team, Boubacar Fall, who was regrouping in Toubab Dialao and who moved to Rabat in the early evening."

It is a big development for the Blues, who were hoping to get more out of Mendy. The French goalkeeper already showed what he can bring to the squad when he was inserted into the first-team in the club’s EFL Cup match against Tottenham.

Mendy replaced Kepa Arrizabalaga and shone brightly, helping Chelsea get a 4-0 win. He made a good impression in 90 minutes of action, handling, distribution and command of the box.

Mendy was originally slated to see action in a friendly between Senegal and Morocco. But now, there is no telling if he will be given the green light to play in the Blues match against Southampton on Oct. 17.

If his injury is seen as severe, Lampard may have no choice but to go back to Kepa or Willy Caballero. The two goalkeepers have hardly made a good impression on the 42-year-old coach, who wanted better goalkeeping last season.

Of the two, it could be Kepa’s chance to make up for lapses earlier in the season. The 26-year-old goalkeeper came under fire due to crucial errors when the season started. Despite these, Lampard stood up for Kepa, although pundits felt it was the obvious thing for a manager to do.

"I am happy with Kepa, I saw confidence in him," Lampard said in an earlier report. "He is here, he is our 'keeper and I am happy with him."

Should Kepa get the call, he needs to make up for his shortcomings. And from the way he was speaking at a press conference, it appears he is ready to show just that.

"In the life of a footballer there are ups and downs, but in the end what is in my hands is to work," Kepa said.