Chelsea fret over Edouard Mendy fitness after goalkeeper returns injured from international duty

Chelsea’s new goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has suffered a thigh injury, ruling him out of Senegal’s African Nations Cup qualifiers.

Mendy, who was signed from Rennes, sustained the injury in training ahead of today’s qualifier in Morocco and was forced to return to London, where he will begin his rehabilitation.

A statement on the Senegalese Football Federation's website read: "The Senegalese Football Federation announces the package of the goalkeeper of the National Selection Edouard Mendy following an injury to the right thigh that occurred during the training session on Wednesday 7 October 2020 and after a medical examination at the hospital in Rabat.

"Edouard Mendy has also left the group this afternoon to return to his Club (Chelsea) where he will undergo further examinations. The Senegalese Football Federation wishes him a speedy recovery."

Mendy was signed for £22 late last month in a deal worth around £22m as Frank Lampard sought to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga, whose errors have long been a source of frustration for the head coach.

However, speaking on international duty with Spain, Kepa underlined his determination to win back the No 1 jersey. "I feel good, strong, and confident.

“Perhaps it is not a dream situation, but during the career sometimes you have to live moments like this. I’m confident I can turn it around and do my best when I play. We all want to play."