EPL: Why Kepa started for Chelsea vs Tottenham

The Blues made a short trip away from Stamford Bridge on Sunday to Wembley stadium, where they faced Tottenham Hotspurs in the EPL.

Chelsea number one goalkeeper, Eduoard Mendy, was absent from the match as coach Thomas Tuchel started Kepa Arrizabalaga instead.

Mendy didn’t make the bench either, as he was left out altogether from the team.

The latest report has revealed that the Senegal international was left out of the Blues squad because of an obvious injury.

Recall that the 29-year-old Senegalese clashed with Artem Dzyuba during the Blues 1-0 win against Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg in the Champions League in midweek.

Following the clash, he received treatment on the field on the hip but managed to remain at the goal post for the Blues throughout the match.

However, to be on the safer side and get the deserved rest, Tuchel had to keep him out of the London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea third goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli was given a spot on the bench in Mendy’s absence.

Mendy is expected to return in the Blues next match vs Aston Villa in the EFL.