Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman thinks Chelsea will be at a big disadvantage without Kepa Arrazabalaga against the Gunners.
The Spanish shot-stopper has been in brilliant form since taking the gloves when Graham Potter joined the club but will miss the vital clash due to an injury to his foot sustained in the match against Brighton. Through a mixture of bad form and Potter's introduction - with the former Seagulls manager preferring a ball-playing keeper, Edouard Mendy has found himself out of contention in recent weeks.
The Senegal No.1 was brought in to replace Kepa under Frank Lampard and has been the undoubted first choice since 2020, his substitute appearance against Brighton was the first under Potter.
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Although there is little doubting the quality that Mendy has, he struggled through the end of Thomas Tuchel's reign and came into his worst patch of form since moving to London.
Seaman, one of the league's best glovemen in history, admitted that not having Kepa fit will be a big blow. “At this moment, you’d rather face Mendy because he hasn’t played for a while," he said on his own podcast. “Kepa has been playing really well, there’s no doubt about that. He’s been making some big saves.
“In both of them, you’ve still got two highly quality, international goalkeepers.”
Kepa kept five consecutive cleansheets during Potter's first 10 games and pulled off some astonishing saves that most didn't think he was capable of. The resurgence in form has come at a key time too with defensive issues meaning that the Blues have been facing a tough time in the league.
Mendy still looks a stronger shout when coming for high balls and neither keeper is perfect, but they do provide great competition for each other.
“I’ll tell you what’s going to be interesting is who plays when they are both fit,” continued Seaman. “When Kepa comes back, what happens? He only came in because Mendy got injured. So is it now a chance for Mendy to keep the gloves, or does he bring Kepa back in?"
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