Chelsea cannot keep relying on Kepa and MUST solve their wing-back issue as Loftus-Cheek’s discomfort will get exposed
GRAHAM POTTER remains unbeaten at Chelsea – but he’ll still have a few nagging headaches ahead of the clash with Manchester United.
Reece James’ injury has left Potter with a major problem when it comes to playing his favoured wing-back system.
The England international, who now faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup, was replaced by Raheem Sterling in that position against Aston Villa.
It didn’t work – leading to Ruben Loftus-Cheek then shifting over before the break to play there – before Cesar Azpilicueta was introduced off the bench.
Doubts remain over whether the 33-year-old’s ageing legs, which led to him being part of the back three and RLC lining up down the right here.
Villa exposed the weakness well down Chelsea’s right on Sunday but unfortunately found Kepa Arrizabalaga in incredible form.
READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
It took Brentford less than two minutes of tonight’s goalless draw to get down Chelsea’s right and that was the start of what would prove to be an uncomfortable night for Loftus-Cheek defensively.
He showed glimpses of an attacking threat in the second period, but Potter must find a solution and fast before they take on the Red Devils.
They may be going into the game on a run of five successive clean sheets – but they cannot keep relying on Kepa to save them.
The space between Loftus-Cheek and Azpilicueta was exposed on numerous occasions throughout here.
Most read in Football
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
And, with the greatest respect to Brentford, it may well get exposed to deadlier effect against better quality opposition.
It remains to be seen what formation Potter conjures up to face United.
But until he gets James back, you can bet your bottom dollar that he has everything crossed that Kepa’s redemption story continues so he can shut-out Erik ten Hag’s boys.