Frank refuses to say Kepa has played his last game
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard maintains Kepa Arrizabalaga has not necessarily played his last game for the club – and will continue to protect the goalkeeper when needed.
Lampard confirmed new signing Edouard Mendy is in contention to make his debut against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup this evening.
Kepa found himself back on the bench for the 3-3 Premier League draw at West Brom, where Willy Caballero was in goal as the Blues recovered from 3-0 down at the break to salvage a point through Tammy Abraham’s stoppage-time equaliser.
Lampard, however, rejected suggestions the 25-year-old Spaniard – s i g n e d fo r a c lub - re c o rd £71million from Athletic Bilbao in August 2018 – was now surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
Asked if Kepa had potentially made his final appearance for the Blues, Lampard said: “I certainly won’t go to the point that he has played his last game for Chelsea.
“I think it has been a difficult time for Kepa, that has b e e n we l l d o c u m e nte d , I know it and he knows it, but we should certainly not jump to that conclusion.
“Also I think, which I have felt quite strongly about in the last week, is also understanding Kepa is a young man and the spotlight on him, I think, has become slightly unfair.
“I have to protect him because I know he is a good lad and playing with absolute professionalism and intent to do the best that he can, as all the squad have to.”
German defender Antonio Rudiger has not featured this season, but again Lam
pard stressed nothing had yet been decided.
“I wouldn’t assume anything and I wouldn’t assume (anything about) Antonio or any players in the squad,” the Chelsea manager said. “We are not there until next Monday when the window shuts, so other than that, I would make no assumptions.”
Mendy was not available for the West Brom game, but Lampard has been impressed by the Senegal international, 28, since arriving in west London.
“It is all very positive from the early signs and interactions, just as a man on the tra i n i n g p i tc h ,” L a m pa rd added. “He has settled very well in the first few days and we have made him feel welcome as always. It is competition. He is a good goalkeeper, so we will see how we go.”