Chelsea star Kepa Arrizabalaga faces a race against time to make the Spain World Cup squad
According to The Daily Mail, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is now facing a race against time to make it to the Spain World Cup squad for Qatar.
The showpiece event kicks off on 20th November when hosts Qatar take on Ecuador. Spain under Luis Enrique begin their campaign on 23rd November against Costa Rica. One man who might not make the trip is Kepa, who continues to recover from a foot injury.
The world’s most expensive goalkeeper was taken off injured at half-time against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend. Blues boss Graham Potter has now confirmed that the player will not feature for the club until after the World Cup is over.
“It’s his plantar fascia, the bottom of his foot. I don’t think he’ll play before the World Cup.”
Kepa was named in Luis Enrique’s preliminary squad for the World Cup and had a real shot at making the roster. While he might not have been guaranteed a starting spot, travelling with the Furia Roja squad would have been an experience to savour.
It would also have been a reward for a player who has rekindled his reputation under Potter. The Chelsea boss has largely kept his faith in the 28-year-old over Edouard Mendy. The Spaniard too has repaid his manager as Chelsea enjoyed a nine-game unbeaten run at the beginning of his stint.
Kepa joins a list of Chelsea stars whose participation in the World Cup is a major doubt. English duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell face a race against time to be fit and even if they do make it, will be far from being fully fit.
N’Golo Kante has already been ruled out as the Chelsea star continues to struggle with injuries. Whether or not Kepa too will be subjected to heartbreak remains to be seen.
The impact Kepa has had on the side since Potter’s arrival was unexpected. He deserves full credit for turning his fortunes around and deserved a spot on the Spanish roster. Unfortunately, now we will have to wait and watch what happens in the next few weeks.
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His loss could mean hope for David de Gea of Manchester United, who was left out of Spain’s preliminary 55-man squad for the 2022 World Cup.