Tuchel confirms Chelsea's goalkeeper for London derby

Ahead of the derby with top-four rivals West Ham this weekend, Tuchel has confirmed Chelsea’s starting goalkeeper.

Edouard Mendy will return in goal for Chelsea’s Premier League match away at West Ham United on Saturday evening.

Thomas Tuchel had overlooked the former Rennes star in favor of Kepa Arrizabalaga in the club’s last two games in the 0-0 draw with Brighton in the Premier League and the 1-0 FA Cup win over Manchester City.

Kepa kept a blank in each of those matches to extend his superb record under Tuchel to five clean sheets in five appearances.

But while Kepa’s achievement deserves credit, Tuchel will rely on Mendy for the visit to fifth-placed West Ham.

“Mendy will be in goal,” confirmed the Chelsea manager in a pre-match conference as per Football London.

“Before then the goalkeeper coach and I decided Kepa should stay one more game to have it as a reward, to get a bit of rhythm.

“What he’s doing in training and the dressing room is simply outstanding in terms of personality. I’m happy he showed it on the pitch. He had two clean sheets in two matches, so it’s a good feeling we have two goalkeepers.

“Edouard will be in goal tomorrow.”