AFCON 2022: The six Chelsea matches Mendy will miss finally revealed
The Chelsea’s wall Edouard Mendy left the Blues squad to join up with the Senegal national team for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations immediately after the 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday.
However, The Africa Cup of Nations begins on January 9, with Senegal beginning their tournament against Zimbabwe on Monday 10 January.
The AFCON final takes place on Sunday 6 February which means Mendy could miss up to six Chelsea games should Senegal reach the final.
Below are the six games Mendy could miss due to AFCON:
Wednesday 5 January: Tottenham Hotspur (h)- Carabao Cup semi-final 1st legA
Saturday 8 January: Chesterfield (h) – FA Cup 3rd round
Wednesday 12 January: Tottenham Hotspur (a) – Carabao Cup semi-final 2nd leg
Saturday 15 January: Manchester City (a) – Premier League
Sunday 23 January: Tottenham Hotspur (h) – Premier League
After the Premier League game against Tottenham on January 23, the Blues are expected to have a break before heading to Abu Dhabi for the Club World Cup. Chelsea’s semi-final is on February 9 which is just three days after the AFCON final. Should Senegal reach the final, Mendy is likely to miss the Club World Cup semi-final as Thomas Tuchel is likely to rest him.
Meanwhile, Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic has given his verdict on Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.
Pulisic scored Chelsea’s equaliser just before half-time after missing the chance to put Chelsea ahead when the game was goalless when he had just the Liverpool goalkeeper to beat.
Reflecting on the match, Pulisic said: “It felt like we were playing extremely well even when they scored two goals, it was unfortunate.
“I had chance early on I wish I could have finished, it could have changed the game. but we showed good fight to get back in the game.”