Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has been called up to the Senegal squad for the Africa Cup of Nations that starts next month.
It means that the Blues‘ shot stopper is set to miss a number of Premier League games while on international duty in the New Year.
Thomas Tuchel has goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga at his disposal in the absence of Mendy, who has been first choice since his arrival from Stade Rennais in 2020.
As for the Spaniard, he has struggled at Stamford Bridge since his world record fee for a goalkeeper back in 2018, but has been impressive in his Carabao Cup appearances so far this season.
Mendy has been a reliable presence on the whole for Chelsea, keeping eight clean sheets in 17 Premier League starts.
The 29-year-old came in for a lot of praise in the early portion of the season, where he helped Tuchel and his men set the pace early on.
His standout performance so far was against Brentford, where a Man of the Match outing helped the Blues to a tight 1-0 win with several last ditch saves made.
Despite the occasional mistake creeping into his game, the Senegal international has been the go-to for the German coach and while Kepa may represent a great second choice, his loss may be felt in their upcoming fixtures.
Chelsea fans took to social media after the announcement to voice their opinions on Mendy’s call-up.
@CfcSmit: “He’s their best player so yeah makes sense.”
@CFCNoBias: “Expect disappointment and you will never be disappointed.”
@Therealdollypee: “That’s where Kepa comes in.”
@Abuoralenn: “Mendy should fall out with his national coach like Ziyech.”
@_cfced: “They sure they don’t want to just leave Edou Mendy at home?”
@Blubastianich: “No worries, Kepa will get a nice run of games. Considering Liverpool will lose Salah, Mane and Keita; I’d say we got off lightly.”
@O_Blue_D: “If kepa keeps a clean sheet vs Liverpool and Man City, he deserves a knighthood and £1m a week contract.”
@Iyimide: “We are finished.”