Tuchel hints on giving Kepa a chance

As Chelsea’s first goalie Edouard Mendy continues to struggle at the post, manager Thomas Tuchel has hinted that Kepa Arrizabalaga could get a chance to replace him.

Mendy has come under criticism for different errors in the Blues’ opening six league games, including a mistake that gave West Ham United the lead in Saturday’s match.

Mendy also made another error that nearly cost Chelsea three points, but they were saved after the goal was disallowed following a VAR review, which saw the Blues managing to win in a 2-1 scoreline.

With Mendy’s poor form, there have been calls for Kepa to be brought into the side after he was linked with moves away from Chelsea this summer over lack of game time.

Talking to reporters about the Spanish goalkeeper, Tuchel said: “Yeah, he tried [to leave]. He tried, he checked his options, which we were aware of. They were not satisfying for him, for us. So he stayed.

“I’m very happy about that. I was always very clear, directly to him that I’d love him to stay. And in my point of view, he’s absolutely ready to play.

“So it’s on us if we give him the chance or not. It’s on us, but he is 100 per cent ready how he behaves. How he trains is very, very good.”

Tuchel when asked whether he is considering allowing Kepa to play, said: “First we deal with the players and then we tell you.”