One of the narratives that has dominated the early part of Graham Potter's Chelsea reign is his goalkeeper dilemma. Edouard Mendy has been struggling with a knee injury, meaning Kepa Arrizabalaga has started both of Potter's games in charge of the Blues so far.
Mendy could return to the Chelsea squad for the Blues' Champions League clash against AC Milan on Wednesday, but it remains to be seen how much he is utilised under Potter. Kepa may end up being the 47-year-old's first-choice goalkeeper due to his ability to play out from the back.
Potter heaped praise on the Spaniard for his performance in Chelsea's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, saying: “I thought he did really well. He made a couple of big saves but also, his distribution in terms of his decision-making was really strong."
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Once Mendy returns to full fitness, there is set to be a real battle for the number one shirt, but the Blues will reportedly assess the goalkeeper situation in the coming months. According to The Telegraph, Chelsea will take a closer to look at the goalkeeping department with doubts still hanging over Kepa, and with Mendy yet to sign a new deal.
Mendy's contract expires in 2025, but has reportedly recently turned down an extension. In January, 18-year-old Gabriel Slonina will join Chelsea after the Blues agreed a deal with Chicago Fire to sign him in the summer.
It remains to be seen if Chelsea are in the market for a new goalkeeper, but that could be an option for the Blues, given there are doubts over Mendy and Kepa for different reasons. Until then, both goalkeepers will be aiming to impress new boss Potter, with the fight for the number one shirt well and truly on.
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