Mendy 'Has an Opportunity' To Show Chelsea His Qualities - Graham Potter | Soccer/Soccer

Chelsea coach Graham Potter has challenged Edouard Mendy to seize his alternative after being missed in favor of Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Mendy will begin his first match beneath Potter on Wednesday when Chelsea host Dinamo Zagreb within the Champions League and whereas he has lauded the goalkeeper for his professionalism and persistence when he was not taking part in, the previous Brighton and Hove Albion boss needs the Senegalese to take his alternatives.

“He's been great, a top professional, very supportive. I've had some good chats with him,” Potter mentioned in his pre-match press convention on Tuesday.

“He was injured when we first arrived so Kepa played, and Kepa did well. He's honest and professional enough to know sometimes you have to be patient and work hard and support the team, which is what he did. We can't ask any more.”

“He's made sure he's ready, he's trained well, and he's kept his standards high. Now he has an opportunity. It's unfortunate for Kepa it's come around like that, but that's football.”

Mendy performed for the primary time beneath Potter when he got here on as an alternative choice to the injured Kepa in final Saturday's 4-1 loss to Brighton within the Premier League, returning to the workforce for the primary time since September 3 when he sustained a knee harm in Chelsea's 2-1 win in opposition to West Ham.

The Senegal worldwide recovered and returned to health two weeks later however discovered it tough to dislodge Kepa, who has been spectacular in objective for Chelsea since being handed the chance.

But with the Spanish shot-stopper now out after choosing up a knock on the Amex Stadium, Mendy has an opportunity to reclaim the place if he can impress Potter together with his performances, beginning with Wednesday's match at Stamford Bridge.

The 30-year-old is assured of his place in Chelsea's beginning XI on Wednesday and he'll hope that his performances will maintain him in objective for Sunday's conflict with Premier League leaders Arsenal. With the World Cup three weeks away, Mendy may also be eager to get match sharpness earlier than becoming a member of the Teranga Lions for the match.