Thomas Tuchel breaks silence on dropping Edouard Mendy for Kepa in the Champions League

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel says the Champions League has given him a perfect opportunity to give confidence to goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

First choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has had a tough start to the season - as his error against Leeds United virtually handed the game to the Yorkshire based club.

He was also at fault for Leicester City’s goal days later after he was beaten by Harvey Barnes at his near post in the 2-1 win over Brendan Rodgers side.

Against West Ham over the weekend he again gifted Michail Antonio a goal and was lucky Maxwel Cornet’s strike was cancelled due to a contentious foul on the goalkeeper.

There have been calls for the goalkeeper to be dropped given his recent form, and also because Kepa Arrizabalaga lost his position due to similar poor form.

Asked why he has chosen the Spain international over the Mendy, Tuchel revealed Mendy had patellar tendon issues which gave him a chance to pick Kepa Arrizabalaga instead.

He told BT sport: “He was unlucky and and he was not even bad unlucky and on top of it Edou has a problem with the patellar tendon and the knee is not 100% at the moment.

“So we took the chance and give confidence to Kepa for this game and also the next game in the Champions League.

“It’s a decision for Kepa.

“We took advantage of the possibility that it is the Champions League and it’s an important match and now to feel for him to feel the trust because he deserves it.”

Chelsea are hoping to continue their resurgence and looking to build on their win over West Ham against Dinamo Zagreb this evening before travelling to Fulham over the weekend.