Kepa set for Chelsea goalkeeper battle in April as Potter receives huge injury boost

Graham Potter has been provided with an injury update on when Edouard Mendy could return, sending goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga a warning. 

The 31-year-old, who has been demoted to Chelsea‘s number two after Kepa’s resurgence this season, is currently sidelined after fracturing his finger in training at the beginning of January.

Mendy was required to undergo surgery, with the club confirming on January 7: “Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has undergone an operation on a fractured finger sustained in training this week.

“The 30-year-old will work closely with the club’s medical department during his rehabilitation phase.”

Mendy was pictured in a recent photo during Chelsea’s ‘Community Day’ at their Cobham training complex with some support still on his finger, indicating that the Senegal international still wasn’t in a position to make a return.

However, under pressure head coach Potter has learned of a positive update, with Adrian Kajumba reporting Mendy is hoping he can make a full return to training within the next two weeks.

It’s claimed Mendy has begun light individual training and targeted work to assess how his recovery is going.

With progress continuing to be positive, should his general fitness and finger remain in a good place, Mendy may see a return to the training pitches in the build-up to their Premier League clash against Everton on March 18.

READ MORE: Chelsea’s March fixture list in full as four games await Graham Potter in ‘make or break’ month

Mendy’s future at Chelsea remains unclear after unsuccessful negotiations over a new contract.

Chelsea are looking to address the goalkeeper position this summer, according to recent reports, adding to the signing of youngster Gabriel Slonina from Chicago Fire last summer.

Third choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli could also stay next season after initial discussions were held over his future. He is out of contract this summer.

With Mendy’s return nearing, it is likely the 31-year-old could be ready to be selected again in April when the international break concludes at the end of the month, leaving Kepa in a position of no errors allowed otherwise it could give Mendy an opportunity to impress.