15 months after the arrival of Edouard Mendy to the Chelsea goal, Kepa Arrizabalaga is facing his great opportunity. The African goalkeeper has been called up by his country, Senegal, to play the African Cup of Nations (CAN) and the Spanish goalkeeper will be his replacement in the Chelsea goal. Kepa must hold on to this dreamed ‘lifeline’, after losing the title to Mendy last season. A second chance to shine at Chelsea.
Mendy will be out from January 9 to February 6 if Senegal manages to reach the CAN final (her great goal since she never won it and is the current runner-up in the tournament). An absence that will allow Kepa to vindicate himself. The Spanish goalkeeper is already doing it. He was the most prominent in the Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Brentford, establishing himself as the great savior of Thomas Tuchel’s men. “YIt’s not a surprise, he’s in that state of mind where he just complies. It does what it is supposed to do and this is what it shows every day in workouts. I am absolutely sure that this is why he has these amazing performances.“explained the German coach after his display of miraculous saves.
Kepa was already featured in the last match of the Champions group stage against Zenit, where he made very worthwhile interventions. Although it is in the Carabao Cup where he is shining the most. Also dressing in the hero cape on penalties against Aston Villa and Southampton.
The ‘chest do’ against tronío rivals
Chelsea does not have an easy month of January. And Kepa must respond. To start the year (January 2) he has to host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. It remains to be seen whether Mendy receives authorization from Senegal to arrive late at the rally (Mané and Salah would have a similar situation). If they receive the yes, in theory Kepa would be a substitute.
But after Liverpool Kepa touches the strength. Tottenham (round trip semi-finals Carabao Cup); Chesterfield (3rd round FA Cup); Manchester City; Tottenham, Brighton in the Premier. In addition, a hypothetical fourth round of the English Cup on February 5. Main dishes in which Chelsea and Kepa play a lot. Infirmary or front door is what awaits you.
The CAN dispute was one of the reasons why Chelsea did not let Kepa out in the previous market. Nor has he heard any offers for him now heading into the winter. Mendy in Senegal is fixed and they did not want to be part of the campaign in the hands of third goalkeeper Bettinelli. It was a risk that Cech, Marina and Tuchel did not want to suffer. Now Kepa has a second chance to gain a ‘niche’ at Chelsea. It is their moment.
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