Chelsea star prepares for sudden call-up

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga says he is prepared to deputise for Edouard Mendy when the 29-year-old goes on international duty.

Mendy will represent Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, which starts on January 9. He could miss Premier League games against Man City, Spurs and Brighton.

Arrizabalaga said on the matter: “Well, it’s two months away. Of course we know it can happen and I will be ready but we have a lot of games until we start thinking about that.

“Let’s go step by step and we’ll see what happens. If he goes to the African Cup, all the best and I’ll be ready.

“But it’s still a long way to arrive at that point.”