Why Edouard Mendy is playing instead of Kepa for Chelsea vs Dinamo Zagreb in Champions League

Edouard Mendy is set to start for Chelsea in goal against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Mendy will make his first appearance since Graham Potter was appointed Chelsea head coach back in September replacing Thomas Tuchel.

The 30-year-old was out through injury and was replaced by Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has performed exceedingly well since taking his opportunity, and during his run kept five consecutive clean sheets.

However, during Chelsea's 4-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon, he was forced off at half-time due to a foot injury.

“It was the bottom of his foot, I don’t know it’s too early yet,” Potter said after the loss.

“He was too bad to carry on.

"It’s disappointing for him because he’s in a really good moment.”

Kepa’s availability to face Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday night was unclear, but he missed training at their Cobham base on Tuesday morning.

Potter confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Kepa would be unavailable for the game and therefore Mendy is likely to come and replace him in goal for the blues on Wednesday night.

“Kepa won’t be available for the game, slight issue with his plantar fascia,” confirmed Potter.

“Looking at days, but not (available) for the game.”

With Mendy returning to the team, Potter has hailed his commitment, effort and support during the period he has had on the bench.

But the Chelsea head coach is confident that Mendy is ready to take his opportunity on Wednesday night.

"He's been great, top professional, very supportive, and was injured when we first arrived.

“He knows sometimes you have to be patient, work hard and support the team and Kepa.

“He's made sure he's ready.

"Now he's got the opportunity. He's ready."