Chelsea: Kepa’s redemption chance may come earlier than expected

Fear became a reality as Chelsea had Edouard Mendy return to London to rehab after an injury during the break, is it Kepa Arrizabalaga’s time again?

Chelsea has become disgusted with the concept of international breaks throughout its history. Just over the last few seasons, players like N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic have suffered injuries while playing for their countries in friendlies. Fans and coaches alike now hold their breath every time the league splits, crossing their fingers and praying each individual comes back healthy.

We’re now just a matter of days into the most recent league stoppage and the Blues can already exhale in disappointment. The club’s most recent signing—Edouard Mendy—is on his way back to London to rehab from a knock he picked up while playing for Senegal. However, while everything that glitters surely isn’t gold for everyone, this presents an incredible opportunity for Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Arrizabalaga has been subject to the most abuse from Chelsea fans over the last 12 months. The Spaniard looked to be the latest star in a long-line of talented goalkeepers at Stamford Bridge—following in the footsteps of Thibaut Courtois and Petr Cech—before falling flat on his face last season. The Blues were then forced to bring in Mendy to relieve the defensive headaches, sentencing Arrizabalaga to temporary damnation or potentially, complete separation.

However, as Frank Lampard refused to close the door on the 26-year-old’s future with the Blues, the shot-stopper was handed a minuscule lifeline. The manager’s comments will now truly be tested as Mendy looks set to miss the Southampton match in a week’s time. Of course, none of this news is set in stone, but if the Senegalese keeper isn’t fit, Lampard’s got a decision to make.

The potential opportunity comes at the right time for Arrizabalaga. His stint on the bench—albeit two matches—has shown him his job is in serious jeopardy. Lampard justified the signing of the former Rennes’ man by saying he’d compete with the world’s most expensive keeper, but after being thrust into the XI right away, the competition seems a bit one-sided. Arrizabalaga would need to thoroughly impress in order to get more time between the sticks. Luckily, he’s in good form.

The international break has provided the Spaniard with a chance to revive the pep in his step. Arrizabalaga was handed a golden chance by Luis Enrique, given the nod to start in goal against one of Europe’s most exciting sides, Portugal. Despite not facing a plethora of shots on goal, Arrizabalaga was able to keep a clean sheet. Spain has yet to name its XI for upcoming matches, but if Arrizabalaga is able to start against Switzerland or Ukraine and put on a show, he’ll come back to Cobham oozing with confidence.

This is exactly the chance Arrizabalaga has been waiting for. While unexpected and after just a few short weeks, a start against Southampton provides him with a potential way back into the squad. The Spaniard can make it a true goalkeeping competition after going out with a whimper in the first installment of the contest.

There’s no denying there’s a talented keeper hidden somewhere inside the 26-year-old. His performance during his inaugural season in England proved this, but a managerial swap and ever-changing back line contributed to his struggled in year two. If Arrizabalaga can return to full form, Chelsea will have a true dogfight on its hands for the No. 1 goalkeeping spot. However, first things first, Arrizabalaga needs to get his shot at redemption.