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Chelsea goalie Mendy to miss Southampton fixture
By Emmanuel Awosika
Edouard Mendy won’t be in goal for Chelsea as they clash against Southampton in the English Premier League, coach Frank Lampard has confirmed.
Since he moved from Ligue 1 side, Rennes, Mendy has become Lampard’s first choice goalkeeper, replacing error-prone Kepa Arrizabalaga.
He kept his first clean sheet for Chelsea as the blues scored four past a hapless Crystal Palace side in their last match before the international break.
However, 28-year old suffered a injury while on international duty for Senegal. He reportedly injured his thigh during a training session with the Senegalese national team and will spend some time nursing his fitness.
Mendy’s absence means Lampard will have to pick between Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero to start in goal against Southampton.
“Mendy won’t be fit for the match tomorrow. We hope the injury isn’t too long,” Lampard told journalists on Friday.
“I will make that decision myself about the goalkeepers tomorrow.”
It is unclear if Lampard will give Kepa a chance to earn his favour after dropping him in the last couple of games following a horrendous showing against Liverpool in September.
However, some believe Kepa’s fine showing for Spain where he kept a clean sheet in their friendly against Portugal may well tip the scales in his favour.
