Chelsea head coach Graham Potter has, on Friday, provided a fresh insight into the situation between the posts at Stamford Bridge.
The Pensioners, of course, are primed to return to action this weekend.
On the back of the final pre-World Cup international break, under the watch of new boss Graham Potter, Chelsea will make the trip to Selhurst Park, for a London derby showdown with Crystal Palace.
The visitors are set to enter proceedings desperate for a bounce-back result, after failing to register victories in either of their final two outings prior to the break.
Speaking to the media on Friday, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of the latest personnel news across his squad was put to Graham Potter.
And Chelsea’s boss first went on to cast doubt over the readiness of star midfielder N’Golo Kante to contribute versus Palace.
And this gave rise to confirmation that Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to maintain his place between the posts this weekend.
Spanish international Kepa was afforded starts in each of Chelsea’s last two fixtures prior to the international break, owing to an injury suffered by no.1 Edouard Mendy.
In turn, with the latter yet to fully recover, the ex-Athletic Club standout will be relied upon once more to hold down the fort at Selhurst Park:
Kepa set to retain his place. ‘Edou (Mendy) is a bit further on, but hasn’t had enough to be involved at the weekend. Maybe next week for him.’ Meanwhile, Saturday comes too soon for Kante as well. ‘N’Golo has been on the grass with the team, but not really full training.’ #CFC
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) September 30, 2022
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