Boss Tuchel confirms he will recall Chelsea duo against Southampton
Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Edouard Mendy and Christian Pulisic are in line for Chelsea recalls.
Boss Tuchel caused a surprise by selecting Kepa rather than Mendy in goal for the 2-0 win at home to Newcastle on Monday night.
But he has since made it clear to reporters that he regards Mendy as his number one keeper and will now restore him to the side.
Tuchel, whose team play Southampton on Saturday, explained: “Edouard is the number one. This was clear before the game and this stays like this.
“I am very happy that Kepa continued with a second clean sheet in a row. It was a moment to let him feel the rhythm and build up his confidence.
“Edu will be in goal from now on because he recovers physically and mentally and he is the number one.”
Pulisic, meanwhile, did not feature against Newcastle and has not started any of Chelsea’s five league matches since Tuchel took over.
But Tuchel said: “Christian was a very tight decision – if he starts for us after the cup game or if he comes from the bench.
“We decided for another 11 to start and unfortunately we only have three changes, which makes it very, very difficult to give time to the players to have an impact in big tactical changes.
“Christian absolutely deserves to start. He deserves to come in. But I have only three guys that I can use.
“I hope he keeps on going. And I am absolutely sure he will have an important impact for us in the future.”