Chelsea boss Tuchel backs keeper Mendy

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Edouard Mendy will return to the Chelsea side against Leeds on Saturday, Thomas Tuchel has confirmed.

Goalkeeper Mendy made costly errors during the recent defeat at West Ham.

And Kepa Arrizabalaga produced an excellent performance against Zenit in the Champions League this week.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday afternoon, Blues boss Tuchel praised Kepa – but added that Mendy will be recalled.


Tuchel said: “He (Kepa) is always pushing and is really an example of sportsmanship through and through. I have nothing but praise for him.

“He played good and did everything he is capable of producing.

“Every day he is in unbelievable spirit and does not take these decisions (to leave him out) personally and he does what it takes to be on his personal highest level.

“I am absolutely grateful to be his coach and he did very, very well.

“I am always very sure he will do well because of the way he is and the way he behaves and trains.

“Still, we of course have competition, and the decision is that unless something crazy happens that Edu starts tomorrow – nothing has changed at the moment for him.”

Tuchel also confirmed that N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Trevoh Chalobah will remain sidelined this weekend, but Jorginho is set to return.