Chelsea injury updates: Mendy ‘painful’, Pulisic ‘dubious’

Thomas Tuchel made three changes to the starting lineup against Tottenham Hotspur in Chelsea’s previous game, one of which was a total surprise. In place of Édouard Mendy, it was substitute goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga who took the start, with third choice Marcus Bettinelli on the bench.

The arrangement suggested that UEFA goalkeeper of the year Édouard Mendy had injured himself, which was duly confirmed by the Chelsea boss ahead of kick-off. After our 3-0 win, Tuchel went into a bit more detail, revealing that it was the collision in the game against Zenit St Petersburg – as many had suspected despite the secrecy about it before the game – which made Mendy miss. .

“We tried all week and yesterday in training it was average. It comes from the last minute kick against Zenit in the Champions League. It’s very painful and I didn’t feel 100% comfortable doing a full stretch or landing on it. He didn’t feel comfortable fighting on set pieces or in corners.

“So we decided to go 100% and it was Kepa and to have Edou with us to support us and have good energy. I’m happy that Kepa played a crucial role today and kept his cage that’s what he deserves and I’m glad he was able to.

Fortunately, Kepa played well, which he will probably have to do again against Aston Villa in the League Cup on Wednesday – and I hope we get Edou back for Manchester City next weekend.

Speaking of Villa, one player we were hoping to see play against them is Christian Pulisic, but it looks like he still has some way to go when it comes to his ankle injury.

“Maybe the game against Aston Villa is too close, I hope I’m wrong. It’s my impression with him not in training yet. Let’s see tomorrow.

“Maybe he had a good progression today. It might be possible. It would be super nice to have it but it’s doubtful.

-Thomas Tuchel; source: Football.London

Chelsea’s attack hasn’t really turned in full swing, despite scoring three goals on Sunday, and Pulisic’s direct training could certainly be a useful characteristic. It has been over a month since he played for us. Hopefully he gets over this latest injury soon and can stay healthy for a while as well.

Photo by Visionhaus / Getty Images