Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is expected to be out through injury for at least the next ten days, making him a serious doubt for the Blues' clash with Southampton next weekend.
With Kepa Arrizabalaga unable to convince Frank Lampard after making countless routine mistakes, the west London club turned to the market for a new shot-stopper during the summer. Mendy was the man finally chosen and he completed his switch from Rennes towards the end of September.
The goalkeeper made his Premier League debut for the Blues last time out against Crystal Palace, keeping a clean sheet as they ran out 4-0 winners.
But Lampard has already been dealt a blow as Mendy recently suffered a thigh injury in training while away with Senegal. The 28-year-old quickly returned to London to undergo further tests. Football.London now report that Lampard will have a decision to make for Chelsea's upcoming game against Southampton on 17 October, as Mendy is expected to be out for 'at least' ten days.
As a result, he is a 'serious doubt' for the tussle with the Saints. Perhaps more alarmingly, the Blues also get their 2020/21 Champions League campaign underway when they host Sevilla in their first group game on 20 October, before then travelling to take on Manchester United four days later.
But while it may well be a race against time, Football.London state that Mendy is 'expected' to be fit again in time for his side's opening Champions League game.
Nonetheless, this will come as a major blow for Lampard, who had seemingly found the winning formula with regards to his defensive lineup against Palace. With Mendy expected to miss the game against Southampton, this means that the boss will have to turn to either Kepa or Willy Caballero.
The former - who still remains the world's most expensive goalkeeper - did start the first two Premier League games of the season. But he was dropped for the match against West Brom after yet another mistake in his previous match against Liverpool.
It remains to be seen who Lampard will opt to go with next weekend, but the expected loss of Mendy will be frustrating for him.
Source : 90min