“Race against pain”- Chelsea boss provides injury update on 29-year-old starter ahead of crucial fixtures

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel believes Edouard Mendy could miss Aston Villa and Manchester City ties due to injury

Speaking in the pre-match press conference (h/t football.london) Thomas Tuchel has provided an update on the injury of Edouard Mendy as Chelsea take on Aston Villa and Manchester City this week.

Mendy, who has been a constant in Thomas Tuchel’s side since day 1, has been pivotal to the success of the club in the past few months. 

Signed in October last year, the Senegalese has quickly become one of the best shot-stoppers in the Premier League while he was also named the UEFA Champions League goalkeeper of the 2020/21 season recently.

Edouard Mendy was ruled out for Chelsea's game against Tottenham on the weekend. (imago Images)
Edouard Mendy was ruled out for Chelsea’s game against Tottenham on the weekend. (imago Images)

The 29-year-old had started this season in good form as well, featuring in all the games for the club until he was ruled out for selection for the game against Tottenham Hotspur on the weekend.

The goalkeeper was said to have suffered a ‘huge hit’ as Kepa Arrizabalaga deputised for him. With Aston Villa in the EFL Cup and Manchester City in the Premier League this week, Tuchel was asked about the Senegalese’s availability for the games. The German coach replied (h/t football.london):

“Mendy cannot play, he was not in training so far. We try to do everything for Saturday (Man City game) and to reintegrate him tomorrow into individual training and Thursday’s team training.

I think it’s possible, but it’s a race against pain and a race against time. Let’s see, I hope he will be back in team training on Thursday, and if it goes well, he is ready for Saturday. I don’t know right now.”

Chelsea goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, is a doubt for the Aston Villa and Man City games this week. (imago Images)
Chelsea goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, is a doubt for the Aston Villa and Man City games this week. (imago Images)

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Thus, the fact that there are still doubts over the player’s fitness is not a good sign. The West London club are currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table and will be hoping to maintain that position when they face the reigning league champions in Man City on Saturday.