Kepa to miss Champions League game with minor injury

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Kepa Arrizabalaga will miss Chelsea’s Champions League game against Dinamo Zagreb but Mateo Kovacic could be involved despite missing training.

Kepa has been ruled out after suffering a foot injury against Brighton on Saturday, while Kovacic has been nursing a calf issue.

Boss Graham Potter confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Kepa is unavailable, but added that the Spanish goalkeeper is expected to only be out for a matter of days.


Potter also said Kovacic not training was “just a precaution” and that the midfielder will be assessed ahead of Wednesday’s game, and that Kalidou Koulibaly is back in the squad after injury.

“With Kepa, we’re looking at days rather than weeks, which is positive news,” Potter said.

“Kova has got a chance of being available for the game but we’ll make a complete decision on that tomorrow.

“Koulibaly should be fine. He trained today and providing there’s no reaction he’s available and in the squad.”

Kepa’s injury means a return for Edouard Mendy, who has recently been kept out of the side by the Spaniard.

“I’ve had some good chats with him (Mendy) and he’s been great,” Potter said.

“He was honest enough to know that Kepa was playing well and that he had to wait. He kept his standards and now has an opportunity.”